HR Advisor

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK higher education institution is seeking an experienced HR Adviser to provide generalist HR support. The role involves managing employee relations issues and supporting recruitment processes while working closely with HR managers. Candidates should have experience in HR advisory roles and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience providing proactive HR advice on employee relations issues.
• Ability to manage casework independently.
• Confident in working to deadlines and managing a busy workload.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional HR advisory support to managers and staff.
• Work closely with HR Services on recruitment and resourcing.
• Establish effective working relationships across the university.

Skills

Proven HR Adviser experience

Casework management

Independent working

Problem analysis and solution driving

Job description

Full time, Fixed term contract until 31st March 2027

Closing date: 23:59 7th December 2025

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We are seeking an experienced HR Adviser to cover family leave and join us at the University to work alongside an HR Partner to provide generalist HR advisory support to managers and staff in specific areas of the University. You will provide effective and professional advice and guidance in relation to managing and responding to a range of employee relations and resourcing issues. It will be important for you to quickly establish effective working relationships with managers across the areas you support and to adopt a pragmatic and solutions focused approach, enabling and influencing managers.

You will work closely with our HR Services team to support the more complex recruitment and resourcing processes and you will have the opportunity to be involved in project work across the wider HR team.

You Will Have

• Proven experience working as an HR Adviser or in a similar role, providing pro‑active and effective professional HR advice and guidance on a range of employee relations issues, although experience does not necessarily need to be in the Higher Education sector
• The ability to manage casework independently and to proactively identify issues, analyse situations and drive solutions that meet individual and organisational goals
• Confident, able to work independently to deadlines and with a busy workload and committed to developing your HR career

The University has a varied and supportive HR team, of which the Advisory team is made up of 6 HR Advisers and 5 HR Partners.

Interviews will be held: Wednesday 17 December 2025

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Name: Helen Swynford‑Lain

Contact Job Title: HR Partner

Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Nicola Johnson

Alternative Contact Job Title: Assistant Director of HR

Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.