HR Advisor – 12‑Month Contract (Maternity Cover)

About the role

This 12‑month contract role supports a High Wycombe organisation during maternity leave and may become permanent for the right candidate. You will act as a trusted HR partner, delivering advice across the full employee lifecycle in a fast‑paced environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide HR advice and support to managers on employee‑relations matters, including absence, disciplinary, grievance and capability issues.
• Manage employee‑lifecycle administration such as onboarding, probation reviews, contractual changes and leavers.
• Maintain accurate HR records and produce HR reports and management information.
• Support recruitment activities, including interview coordination, onboarding and right‑to‑work compliance.
• Coordinate occupational health referrals and family‑leave cases.
• Assist with salary review, bonus and annual appraisal processes.
• Contribute to learning and development initiatives, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.
• Participate in HR projects, policy updates and continuous‑improvement initiatives.

Required profile

• Previous experience in an HR Advisor or similar generalist HR role.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Proven ability to manage employee‑relations cases, including absence, grievance, disciplinary and capability matters.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building and organisational skills.
• Professional, proactive approach with high attention to detail and discretion.
• Desirable: CIPD Level 5 qualification or progress towards it.

Required skills

• HR systems
• Microsoft Office

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefits package
• Opportunity to work across a diverse HR remit
• Exposure to strategic and operational HR activities