HR Advisor

University of Surrey; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is seeking an experienced HR professional to support employee relations and manage HR projects. This role offers a competitive salary, generous leave, a market-leading pension, and flexible working arrangements. Ideal candidates should have a degree or equivalent experience and strong knowledge of employment law. The position is fixed-term for up to 6 months and includes access to excellent on-campus facilities.

Benefits

32 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme

Relocation assistance

Access to leisure facilities

Family-friendly benefits including on-site nursery

Qualifications

• Degree in HR, business, or a related field.
• Experience in an HR or employee relations role.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law.

Responsibilities

• Provide employee relations advice and support.
• Coach line managers on people management.
• Develop and review HR policies and procedures.
• Lead performance and conflict management.
• Support HR projects, including change management.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

Influencing and coaching skills

Knowledge of employment law

Team collaboration

Experience with UKVI/VISA matters

Education

Degree, HND, NVQ 4 or equivalent

Job description

The RoleMake a real impact in a role that blends professional challenge, personal development and an inspiring environment. Set within the rolling Surrey hills, the University of Surrey offers a unique opportunity to grow your HR career in a People‑Centred organisation with flexible working, clear progression pathways, and exceptional benefits. Our leafy campus features beautiful gardens, open green spaces a tranquil lake‑paired with the buzz of student life and excellent on‑site facilities. We champion blended working that enables staff to enjoy the best of both collaborative on‑site interaction and focused home working. Alongside this, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a market‑leading pension, generous salary‑sacrifice schemes and access to a wide range of staff rewards and discounts.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert employee relations advice and support on a wide range of cases
• Partner with line managers, coaching and influencing people management practice
• Contribute to the development and review of HR policies and procedures
• Lead on performance, sickness/absence, conflict management and resolution
• Support and deliver on various HR projects, including change management and TUPE
• Get involved in a variety of wider HR generalist activity across the University

Qualifications

• A degree, HND, NVQ 4 or equivalent vocational experience
• Experience in a generalist HR or employee relations role
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• The ability to influence, build trust and work collaboratively across teams
• Experience with UKVI/VISA matters or CIPD (Associate/Graduate) status is highly desirable.

Benefits

This is a fixed term contract up to 6 months. You are an experienced HR professional with strong relationship‑building and coaching skills. You're confident in supporting managers with people management and handling sensitive or complex employee issues. In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world‑class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on‑site nursery.