HR Operations Advisor

UK Research & Innovation

Salary: 36650 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: 2nd November 2025

About the role

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 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.

Your 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.

Manage or provide support as appropriate on a range of HR casework including sickness absence performance management disciplinary and grievance cases etc.

Work closely with colleagues in our HR Operations Team and with Strategic HR Business Partners the Employee Relations Team 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 (our shared services provider) and other external organisations as appropriate.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

Current relevant experience working in an operational HR role ideally in a diverse and demanding environment. (S&I)

A track record of effectively managing a range of HR casework (S&I)

Appropriate CIPD Qualification or equivalent skills including good knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice (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 self-motivated results-focused and proactive approach to work with a strong record of delivery (S&I)

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!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Please apply online if you experience any issue applying please contact

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 or contact