Group HR Advisor - 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover)

Optima; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima is seeking a proactive Group HR Advisor to join our HR team, providing expert advice across the business. This 12‑month FTC maternity cover offers a full-time schedule and exposure to a wide range of HR activities across the employee lifecycle.

You will support employee relations, recruitment, L&D, HR administration and project work, working closely with managers to drive continuous improvement and maintain compliant HR practices.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 desirable or equivalent HR qualification.
• Around 5 years of HR generalist experience preferred.
• Strong communication and people skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations including absence, disciplinary, grievance and performance issues.
• Support managers through formal meetings and note-taking.
• Manage absence cases and coordinate occupational health referrals.
• Advise on terms and conditions, flexible working, family leave, and HR policies.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems (starters, leavers, absences).
• Help keep HR policies up to date with legislation changes.
• Support recruitment from interviews through onboarding.
• Administer probation processes in line with company policy.
• Support annual review process and leaver administration.
• Assist with HR projects, policy development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay up to date with employment legislation and HR best practice.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Relationship building

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Multitasking

Education

CIPD Level 5 desirable

5 years HR generalist experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR systems

Job description

Optima is seeking a proactive Group HR Advisor to join our HR team, providing expert advice across the business. This 12‑month FTC maternity cover offers a full-time schedule and exposure to a wide range of HR activities across the employee lifecycle.

You will support employee relations, recruitment, L&D, HR administration and project work, working closely with managers to drive continuous improvement and maintain compliant HR practices.