Senior HR Advisor

OCS; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced Senior HR Advisor focused on Employee Relations to provide expert guidance across the organisation. You will handle complex ER cases, coach managers, conduct investigations, and help drive HR policy, compliance, and change initiatives.

You will stay current with employment law, support engagement initiatives, and partner with senior stakeholders to minimise ER risk in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• L5 CIPD or working towards in HR.
• Experience in Employee Relations and Employment Law.
• Self-motivated in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in shared service HR delivery desirable.
• Experience using a Case Management Tool.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for complex ER cases (disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence).
• Coach managers on sensitive people matters in line with policy and law.
• Lead or support ER investigations with thorough, fair resolution.
• Partner with senior managers to identify and mitigate ER risks.
• Support organisational change including restructures, TUPE and redundancies.
• Monitor ER case trends to inform HR strategy and policy development.
• Contribute to ER training delivery for line managers.
• Keep up to date with changes in employment law and regulations.
• Support HR initiatives that impact engagement and workplace culture.

Skills

Employee Relations

HR Policy Guidance

Stakeholder Management

Investigations

Employment Legislation

Education

L5 CIPD or working towards

Tools

Case Management Tool

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior HR Advisor with a strong background in Employee Relations (ER) to join our dynamic HR team. This role is pivotal in providing expert guidance and support on a broad range of ER matters, ensuring legal compliance, consistency, and best practice across the organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as the primary point of contact for complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management.
• Coach and advise managers on handling sensitive people matters in line with HR policy and employment legislation.
• Lead or support investigations into ER issues, ensuring thorough, fair, and timely resolution.
• Partner with senior managers and stakeholders to identify and mitigate ER risks.
• Support organisational change processes including restructures, TUPE, and redundancy consultations.
• Monitor and analyse ER case trends to inform HR strategy and policy development.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of ER-related training to line managers.
• Keep up to date with changes in employment law and ensure HR practices reflect legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support the implementation of HR initiatives and projects as needed, particularly those that impact employee engagement and workplace culture.

Qualification And Experience

• L5 CIPD or working towards
• Experience working within Employee Relations/ Employment Legal
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience of working within a shared service HR delivery is desirable
• Experience utilising a Case Management Tool

About The Company

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering. Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Why Work for OCS?

• Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
• Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
• Retail Perks: With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
• Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
• Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.