HR Advisor(UK Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Reading is looking to appoint an experienced HR Adviser to join its collaborative Human Resources team. This role sits within a busy advisory function that supports managers and staff across a range of departments, providing professional, solution-focused HR guidance.

You will work closely with HR Partners and colleagues across HR Services to help manage a wide range of employee relations and recruitment matters. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment where influence, judgement, and relationship-building are key.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to wider HR projects, support policy development, and deliver training to managers and staff.

 UK workplace rights and HR frameworks

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide clear, practical HR advice to managers on issues such as absence management, performance concerns, disciplinary and grievance processes, and recruitment
  Manage employee relations casework independently, ensuring timely and consistent outcomes
  Support complex recruitment and resourcing activities in collaboration with HR colleagues
  Build strong working relationships across departments and act as a trusted HR partner
  Contribute to HR projects and help deliver training sessions for managers and staff
  Identify risks and opportunities within people management cases and recommend effective solutions

What We’re Looking For

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Experience working in an HR Adviser (or equivalent generalist HR role)
  Strong background in employee relations case management
  Up-to-date understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice
  Ability to handle sensitive and complex HR issues with confidence and professionalism

Skills & Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders
  Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines in a busy environment
  Analytical thinking with a proactive, solution-driven approach
  Comfortable working independently while contributing to a team environment
  Commitment to professional growth in HR

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview consisting of:

A 20-minute preparation task involving a scenario-based HR case
A 40-minute interview discussion with the panel

This will assess your practical HR judgement, communication style, and ability to advise on real workplace situations.

Immigration & Visa Information

Applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should review eligibility requirements before applying. The University follows UK Visas and Immigration guidance and can only discuss sponsorship with shortlisted candidates.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity. It actively supports initiatives such as Athena SWAN, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ inclusion, and is recognised as a Disability Confident Employer.

Flexible working arrangements, including job share and part-time options, will be considered where operationally possible.

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to step into a dynamic advisory role within a respected university, contributing to both operational HR delivery and strategic people initiatives.