HR Advisor

Of Northampton; Northampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an experienced HR Advisor to support employee relations and organisational design. You will guide managers, enhance workforce culture, and deliver HR training. The ideal candidate has a CIPD Level 5 qualification and demonstrable experience in employee relations. This role offers a dynamic working environment that champions inclusivity and professional development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in employee relations and complex casework.
• Ability to work under pressure to multiple tight deadlines.
• Evidence and commitment to continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Support line managers on employee relations and performance management.
• Advise on organisational design and workload management.
• Analyse people data and deliver actionable insights.
• Support cultural change and deliver HR training as needed.

Skills

Employee relations

Organisational design

Cultural change

Excellent communication

Influencing

Organisational skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 or related HR qualification

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About The Job

Interview Date: 15 January 2026

We’re seeking an experienced HR Advisor to support the delivery of employee relations and organisational design across a diverse customer base. Reporting to an HR Business Partner, you’ll coach managers, embed smarter working, and help create high‑performing, supportive cultures in line with the University’s overall People Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and guide line managers on employee relations and performance management issues that arise.
• Advise on organisational design and workload management.
• Analyse people data and deliver actionable insights.
• Support cultural change and deliver HR training and interventions when required.

Join us and help shape a workplace where people thrive.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

About You

• Demonstrable experience in employee relations, complex casework, organisational design, and cultural change.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to multiple tight deadlines whilst ensuring a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Qualifications

Essential

• CIPD Level 5, or other related HR qualification, or relevant experience: particularly in strategically guiding leaders in people leadership and organisational design principles
• A degree or equivalent experience
• Evidence and commitment to continuing professional development

Human Resources

Our Human Resources department is at the heart of creating a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing workplace. We provide strategic leadership and operational support across all aspects of people management, from employee relations and organisational design to learning and development. Working closely with managers, we help embed smarter working practices, promote wellbeing, and ensure compliance with employment legislation. Guided by the University’s People Strategy, HR focuses on attracting, developing, and retaining talented individuals while fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and career growth.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first‑rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right To Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this post to successful applicants who:

• already hold a Skilled Worker visa and have continually done so since 22 July 2025;
• and meet the eligibility criteria of the points‑based immigration system for this position.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero‑tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON