HR People Advisor - UKIFS Ltd.

STEP; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative organization at the forefront of fusion energy as an HR People Advisor. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the People Plan, driving growth and supporting matrixed employees in a collaborative environment. You'll manage key HR projects, enhance people management capabilities, and ensure compliance with policies and employment law. With flexible working options and a vibrant culture, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in a groundbreaking sector. Be part of a team dedicated to inclusivity and employee wellbeing while working towards a sustainable future.

Benefits

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%

Relocation allowance

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Degree in HRM or equivalent experience is essential.
• Experience as HR Advisor or Junior HRBP is crucial.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and GDPR.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the annual People Plan aligned with UKIFS’s goals.
• Manage informal employee relations cases and provide advice.
• Lead engagement and wellbeing surveys and implement actions.

Skills

HR Analytics

Stakeholder Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Employee Relations

Policy Development

Recruitment

Education

Degree in HRM or related field

CIPD Level 5

Tools

Project Management Tools

Job description

Company Description

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd., a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through the design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKIFS will collaborate with industrial partners and build a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground-breaking journey.

Employees of UKIFS will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family-friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

Job Description

For more information on UKIFS, visit: UKIFS Recruitment Pack

The salary for this role is £48,376, and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week. We actively support requests for flexible working.

Employees of UKIFS can be based at either of our sites: West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

The Role

As HR People Advisor, you will work closely with the Head of People to develop and deliver the People Plan for UKIFS, supporting business growth, driving the people agenda, and supporting matrixed employees in large UKIFS programmes.

You will be responsible for building and delivering people projects such as change management, organisational design, EDI initiatives, talent management, early careers, and leadership development. You will work with managers to ensure competence and consistency in leading teams, applying performance management processes as per People policies.

You will collaborate with specialists in the People Department to enhance people management capabilities, talent initiatives, succession planning, and oversee people projects. You will support operational HR activities, employee relations, recruitment, onboarding, exit management, and queries related to people processes and policies.

Key Responsibilities:

People Planning & Strategy

• Develop and implement the annual People Plan aligned with UKIFS’s goals.
• Research best practices to improve performance management, talent acquisition, onboarding, and career development.
• Collaborate with the wider People Team on HR projects.

Employee Relations & Policy Development

• Manage informal employee relations cases, coaching managers and employees.
• Provide advice on disciplinary, grievance, and absence cases.
• Update HR policies to reflect best practices and compliance.

Talent & Leadership Development

• Support talent management initiatives, including career frameworks and succession planning.
• Partner with managers to develop leadership capability.
• Collaborate on early careers programmes and technical competencies.

Employee Engagement & Wellbeing

• Lead engagement and wellbeing surveys, analyze results, and implement actions.
• Develop wellbeing programmes to foster a motivated workforce.
• Facilitate focus groups for feedback and improvement.

Operational HR Excellence

• Manage daily HR operations including onboarding and performance management.
• Provide HR reports and analytics.
• Ensure compliance with employment law, data protection, and policies.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree in HRM or related field, or equivalent experience.
• CIPD Level 5 (Higher desirable).
• Experience as HR Advisor or Junior HRBP.
• Experience managing employee relations cases.
• Experience developing policies and implementing HR projects.
• Proficiency in HR analytics.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and GDPR.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Experience in recruitment and full lifecycle.
• Experience in Pay & Reward strategies.

Desirable:

• Experience in civil service or regulated environments.
• Proficiency in project management tools.
• HAY job evaluation training or career architecture experience.

Additional Information

A full list of benefits can be found here.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage diversity and inclusion. The role requires completing an online BPSS check, including DBS checks for criminal convictions, and possibly open-source data searches.

For international applicants, see: Overseas Criminal Records Checks.

Note: Vacancies are typically advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if filled.