Senior Human Resources Advisor

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 41,376 - 50,571; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and pension

Annual performance-related bonus

26 days' holiday

Private healthcare

Professional development

FTSE 100 company

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a Senior HR Advisor with strong employee relations experience to lead proactive absence management and support high‑risk, sensitive ER cases. This role partners with an external advisory partner and requires collaboration across the business to influence outcomes.

Candidates should be CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards it) and demonstrate exceptional communication and analytical skills to navigate complex scenarios.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in employee relations or a similar HR role with a focus on complex casework.
• CIPD qualified (minimum Level 3) and working towards Level 5 if not yet achieved.
• Strong understanding of employment law, case law and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead on ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, ill‑health and capability matters with thorough documentation.
• Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement and provide insights to senior HR and business leaders.
• Provide expert interpretation and advice on ER policies in complex scenarios, ensuring legal alignment.
• Ensure ER activities meet legal requirements, internal policies and ethical standards, and support timely case resolution.
• Partner with stakeholders across United Utilities to manage cases professionally and fairly.

Skills

Employee relations

ER casework

Employment law

CIPD Level 3/5

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPD Level 3/5

Job description

United Utilities - Water for the North West

Advertised Salary: £45,974

Location: Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

Hybrid (an average of 3 days per week in the office)

Regular travel required to our sites across the North West, including the Cumbria region.

Competitive Salary & Benefits

Are you a hands‐on Employee Relations expert with strong experience navigating complex and sensitive ER cases? United Utilities is seeking a Senior HR Advisor to lead the way on proactive absence management and support high‑risk, sensitive and escalated ER cases.

This is not a generalist HR role. We're looking for a seasoned ER professional who thrives in fast‑paced environments, collaborates seamlessly with our external advisory partner, and brings strategic oversight to sensitive escalations. You'll support driving fair, consistent and legally sound case outcomes across the business.

If you're CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards it), and you've got the skills to influence at all levels, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in employee relations or a similar HR role, with a strong focus on complex casework.
• CIPD qualified (minimum Level 3) and either qualified or actively working towards Level 5.
• Deep understanding of employment law, case law and HR best practices.
• Ability to analyse complex situations and data to make informed, balanced decisions.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• Confidence and credibility to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive or high‑risk matters.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• A calm, pragmatic and collaborative approach in high‑pressure situations.
• Ability to travel to sites across the North West as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management

Lead on ER cases including disciplinary, grievance, ill‑health and capability matters. Ensure thorough documentation, timely progression and resolution aligned with legal and policy frameworks.

ER Data & Insight

Analyse ER data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement. Provide insights to senior HR and business leaders and contribute to strategic planning.

Policy Guidance

Provide expert interpretation and advice on ER policies in complex scenarios, ensuring alignment with organisational values, legal obligations and best practice.

Compliance

Ensure all ER activities meet legal requirements, internal policies and ethical standards. Champion consistency and fairness in every case.

Work closely with HR colleagues, line managers and trade union representatives to support effective and timely case resolution.

Stakeholder Engagement

Partner with key stakeholders across United Utilities to ensure ER cases are managed with professionalism and resolved effectively, fairly and in a timely manner.

What We Offer

You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company that puts people and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. At United Utilities, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive salary and pension scheme (21% combined).
• Annual performance‑related bonus up to 7.5%.
• 26 days' holiday rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• A wide range of private healthcare and wellbeing benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Investment in your professional development.

Why United Utilities?

We're more than just water. We're a purpose‑driven organisation committed to sustainability, innovation and the communities we serve. Join us and be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration and continuous learning.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel and be themselves. Whether you join a team that shares your vision or connect with colleagues across our networks, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive organisation ready to help you thrive.

This role may close early due to high volumes of applications.

This role may not qualify for sponsorship.