HR Operations Advisor

UKRI; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the UK is seeking an experienced HR professional for a full-time operational HR role. The successful candidate will manage HR queries, provide casework support, and work flexibly in a hybrid environment. Essential requirements include a CIPD qualification and current operational HR experience. The position offers competitive pay, extensive benefits, and promotes a culture of continuous development.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave

Employee discounts

Employee assistance programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Current experience in operational HR role, supporting employee casework.
• CIPD Qualified or equivalent skills from HR experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day HR queries and provide guidance to managers.
• Support casework on sickness absence and performance management.
• Work with HR Operations Team to deliver consistent HR service.

Skills

Communication skills

Judgement and decision-making

Organizational skills

Teamwork

HR casework management

Education

CIPD Qualification

Tools

Spreadsheets

Job description

UK Research & Innovation
Salary: £37,841 per annum.
Band: UKRI Band D.
Contract Type: Open ended.
Hours: Full-time (flexible working available).
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxon (Up to 3 days per week in the office).
Closing Date: 18th January 2026.

Do you have experience of working in an operational HR role where no two days are the same? Are you self-motivated, happy to use your own judgement and provide sound support to colleagues at varying levels? If yes, then this role is for you...
People are at the centre of all we do. Your role will be varied and fast paced with learning opportunities along the way. As a large team of HR professionals, we strive to provide high quality provisions to c6500 employees across UKRI, by working together and supporting each other.
You will be joining UKRI at an exciting time as we adapt to a new HR and Finance System and the opportunities this brings to review and enhance our ways of working, bringing functionality and simplified processes to assist Employees and Managers to ‘self-serve’ HR first line enquiries.

Our fantastic team is based across several locations. Whilst we work in a hybrid environment, we do require on-site working twice a week (as a minimum) as we believe spending time in person and collaborating is important for us as individuals and as a team. We do however understand the balance of work / life pressures; therefore, our team work flexibly around their personal commitments.

About the role

Role and responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day queries, providing professional, timely, accurate and robust advice and guidance to managers and staff in line with the HR delegation framework on a wide range of HR queries including pay, attendance, working patterns, performance management, etc., providing advice on associated policies and completion of forms as appropriate.
• Manage or provide support as appropriate on a range of casework including sickness absence, performance management, disciplinary and grievance cases etc.
• Work closely with colleagues in the HR Operations Team, Strategic HR Business Partners and the HR Centres of Expertise in helping to deliver a consistent and joined-up HR service across the organisation.
• Build effective working relationships with managers and staff and with other HR colleagues to support the maintenance and development of best practice policies and procedures.
• Participate as appropriate in the development and delivery of HR learning and personal development initiatives.
• Lead or support on HR-related projects as appropriate.
• Review and analyse MI data and trends in order to make recommendations on data-driven HR actions.
• Adopt a continuous improvement approach to work, to ensure that records are kept up to date and letters, guidance and templates etc are accurate and appropriate.
• Liaise with colleagues in UKSBS, and other external organisations as appropriate.

Personal Specification

Essential

• Current, relevant experience working in an operational HR role, ideally supporting primarily on employee casework and advice and guidance to employees and managers. (S&I)
• Appropriate CIPD Qualification or equivalent skills and knowledge gained from working in an HR role. (S&I)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present information, to persuade, influence, counsel, support or challenge people at all levels, often in sensitive circumstances, and to treat information confidentially. (S&I)
• Ability to work on own initiative and to manage own time effectively. (I)
• Ability to apply judgement and decision-making to find innovative solutions which meet customer needs, within policy or procedural requirements. (I)
• Ability to work with ambiguity and conflicting priorities. (I)
• A track record of effectively managing a range of casework. (S&I)
• A self‑motivated, results‑focused and proactive, approach to work, with a strong record of delivery. (I)
• A proven track record of team‑focused behaviour. (I)

Desirable Criteria

• Good all‑round knowledge of UK Employment law and HR best practice.
• Line management skills.
• Sound IT skills and proficiency in the use of spreadsheets and data manipulation, specifically, analytical skills and the ability to identify, analyse and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to learn quickly and champion best practice and continuous improvement.
• Line Management experience.

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact [e-mail]

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact [e-mail].