How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
HR Operations Advisor
HR Advisor (Fixed Term) – UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- Salary: £37,841 per annum
- Band: UKRI Band D
- Contract Type: Fixed Term (14 months)
- Hours: Full-time (flexible working available)
- Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire – Hybrid working available (minimum 2 days per week in office)
- Closing Date: Sunday, 19th July 2026
A temporary absence from your substantive role may be required. For further details, see UKRI Recruitment Policy.
About the Role
Do you have experience in a fast-paced operational HR environment where every day is different? If you’re self-motivated, confident in applying your judgement, and enjoy providing comprehensive support to colleagues at all levels, this role is for you.
People are at the heart of everything UKRI does. Your work will be varied, dynamic, and filled with learning opportunities. As part of a team of HR professionals, you’ll support c6,500 employees across UKRI by ensuring high-quality HR services are delivered. This includes collaborating with colleagues to develop and enhance processes as UKRI transitions to a new HR and finance system, with a focus on supporting self-service for HR enquiries.
Whilst working in a hybrid environment, the team requires a minimum of 2 days on-site per week, valued as essential for collaboration. Flexible working arrangements are supported to help balance workload and life commitments.
Responsibilities
-
Manage day-to-day HR queries, providing timetly, accurate, and professional advice to employees and managers across a range of areas including:
- Pay, attendance
- Working patterns
- Performance management, and other relevant HR matters
You’ll also:
- Apply relevant policies and complete necessary forms as needed.
-
Lead or assist with operational HR casework, including:
- Sickness absence
- Performance management
- Disciplinary and grievance cases
-
Work collaboratively with:
- HR Operations Team
- Strategic HR Business Partners
- HR Centres of Expertise
To ensure a consistent and supportive HR service for both managers and employees.
-
Develop strong working relationships with managers, staff, and HR professionals to maintain and improve best-practice policies and procedures.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
-
Support HR learning and personal development initiatives where appropriate.
-
Lead or support HR-related projects as required.
-
Review and analyse HR-related data to identify trends and make recommendations for data-driven improvements.
-
Uphold a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring all records, correspondences, guidance, and templates are accurate and relevant.
-
Liaise with the UK Science and Technology Board (UKSB) and other external partners as necessary.
Personnel Specification
The following criteria will be assessed during shortlisting (S), interviews (I), or both (S&I).
Essential
-
Experience in an operational HR role, preferably providing advice and support on employee casework to both managers and staff. (S&I)
-
CIPD qualification or equivalent HR knowledge/skills gained in a professional setting. (S)
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to:
- Present information clearly, and confidently
- Persuade, influence, counsel, or challenge at all levels
- Handle sensitive communications with confidentiality
- Attend to detail meticulously (S&I)
-
Proven ability to work independently and efficiently, managing your own time and tasks. (I)
-
Demonstrate clear judgement and decision-making skills, offering innovative solutions tailored to individual needs while adhering to HR policies and procedures. (I)
-
Capability to operate effectively in ambiguous or fast-moving priority-driven situations. (I)
-
A track record in managing a variety of complex HR cases effectively. (S&I)“
-
A self-motivated, proactive, and outcome-focused approach to ensure successful delivery. (I)
Benefits
UKRI values its employees and offers a strong support network to help you flourish professionally. Key benefits include:
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days’ annual leave (+ 10.5 public/privilege days)
- Employee discounts on retail and leisure activities
- Support through our Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working options
For further benefits information, visit Benefits of Working at UKRI.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
About UKRI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is an independent organisation formed by seven research councils, Research England, and Innovate UK.
- We drive pioneering research and business-led innovation, supporting world-class scientific facilities that push the boundaries of knowledge.
- We invest in technologies, industries, and economies, addressing key challenges from medical breakthroughs to economic growth.
- Join UKRI, and you’ll benefit from career advancement opportunities, an exceptional pension package, a well-rounded workspace (with discounts, cycle to work schemes, and thoughtful wellbeing support).
For more information, see About UKRI.
We also proudly uphold Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles. To learn more, see EDI in the Workforce Guide.
UKRI is Disabled-confident – all suitable candidates with a disability, when shortlisted, will be offered reasonable accommodation to support their application.
How to Apply
Apply online by submitting a CV and cover letter, explaining how you meet the specified criteria and your motivations for joining UKRI. Ensure your documents include "HR Advisor" in the filename description.
{Note: Applications must include a covering letter. Those failing to address criteria or submitting applications without a cover letter may not be considered.*}
You may use AI tools to enhance your application *as long as all statements are factually accurate, truthful, and based on your own experienced. Plagiarism will result in rejection of your application.
As part of employment checks, a Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS) will be required. Without clearance, your offer may be rescinded.
Other Requirements
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK, you’ll need to cover associated Home Office fees for your visa application directly— these can be debated upon in further discussion with your hiring manager post-offer. Full guidance is available on UK Visas Costs.
Inquiries may be directed to Recruitment@ukri.org.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location