We are assisting in the recruitment of an experienced HR Advisor to cover a Fixed Term Contract (I year) working for a world leading institution based in Cambridge City Centre.

Working collaboratively with other members of the HR team, you will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive HR and payroll function to all staff and line managers, including advising on and implementing various policies, managing complex employee relation matters, maintaining accurate personnel data, and advising on HR policies and procedures, all within HR best practice.

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate substantial experience of working in a HR role in a busy department, preferably within an academic environment. You should demonstrate advanced knowledge of HR, including a critical understanding of relevant theory, knowledge of employment law and principles of HR best practice. You will be a competent user of MS Office and other computer systems, combined with the ability to communicate verbally and in writing to a high standard. This is a diverse role, so the ability to work under pressure, simultaneously managing several tasks effectively, is a prerequisite of this role.

Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure that day to day processes and developments are underpinned with sound human resource management information and guidance
• Proactively promote good HR practice and employee relations in line with company policies and procedures
• Give direction, information, advice and guidance to staff and management
• Provide management information to support senior management with their planning processes and in making business decisions
• Review departmental recruitment requirements against current and future vacancies
• Lead, guide and advise other HR colleagues on processes and procedures in regard to all stages of staff recruitment
• Provide exceptional, consistent and seamless advice and support to managers requesting recruitment and staff planning, including providing counsel and advice to hiring managers on staff structure, and providing information on role profiles, salary matters in alignment with HR policy and employment law
• Advise managers on recruitment best practice and acting as a key part of the decision-making process
• Maintain an up-to-date candidate pipeline and proactively source candidates for future vacancies
• Plan recruitment campaigns alongside the recruiting manager, advise managers on suitable avenues for advertising including quotes where appropriate. Manage the advertising process using internal systems and external sites
• Manage the interview process, including shortlisting, sitting on the interview panel, negotiating offers, salaries and other non-contractual demands
• Complete work permit applications as required, ensuring all the relevant documentation is sent to the Compliance team supporting the candidate with their application as necessary
• Organise induction and training programmes for all new starters
• Conduct substantial HR induction on first day for all new staff, advising on relevant policies and answering in-depth questions relating to policies and procedures
• Manage orientation process and act as first point of contact for probation or other issues
• Provide advice to managers regarding staffing issues including capability, disciplinary, sickness etc, ensuring due diligence is applied at every stage of the process
• Provide a range of reports to senior managers/managers regarding key HR issues such as absence levels within the division, and recommend appropriate follow-up actions
• Make recommendations to line managers regarding how problems such as poor performance, high levels of sickness absence and inappropriate behaviour should be addressed and conduct meetings with the individuals concerned if necessary
• Deal with sensitive staffing issues, escalating cases to the HR Director and HR Manager where appropriate
• Conduct exit interviews and follow up with line manager as appropriate
• Provide pastoral care to staff as required
• Co-ordinate and arrange appropriate training events for staff
• Recommend suitable training areas/subjects of benefit to staff members following a review of appraisals
• Source and co-ordinate suitable trainers to deliver training
• Identify and suggest new training initiatives for the benefit of the staff within the constraints of the training budget
• Organise a series of internal bespoke training events for all staff
• Deliver training to managers on the latest HR changes and new policies
• Manage the End of Fixed Term Contracts procedure by consulting with Principal Investigators and Researchers before contract is due to end
• Carry out consultation meetings with staff whose contracts are coming to an end, and with their accompanied colleagues or a trade union representative
• With the HR Director and HR Manager produce and implement new guidelines that conform to company policy with regards to holidays, flexitime, overtime etc
• Manage the HR database, ensuring all information is up to date and accurate
• Produce both regular and adhoc reports as required

Key Skills and Experience

• Educated to degree level/Level 6 vocational qualification (or equivalent level of practical experience)
• CIPD qualification (or equivalent experience in an HR-related field)
• Experience of working in a busy, customer focussed generalist HR role
• Experience of dealing with complex and sensitive employee relations issues
• Up to date knowledge of employment law and good employment practice
• Strong IT skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams, Zoom
• Ability to communicate with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, and from a wide range of different backgrounds, using tact, discretion and diplomacy at all times
• Ability to explain policies and procedures to a variety of audiences and adapt communication style depending on audience and situation as appropriate
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all staff, ensuring HR is approachable
• Ability to prioritise workload to meet multiple deadlines, forward plan and manage a number of tasks effectively and at the same time, working under pressure and remaining calm and professional
• Confident working independently with little supervision, as well as working effectively as part of the HR team. Working proactively and demonstrating initiative
• Excellent written and spoken English
• First class administrative and organisational skills
• Collaborate with others, identify problems and implement solutions

To Apply
Please send a covering letter together with a copy of your CV in MS Word