Human Resources Advisor

HR Advisor | Employee Relations Specialist West Midlands | Hybrid Working | Utilities / Tech We are supporting an established UK utilities group in the appointment of an experienced HR Advisor with a strong Employee Relations (ER) background. This is a hands-on advisory position supporting multiple operational businesses within a wider group structure, working closely with People Partners, operational leadership teams and line managers across different business units. We are particularly interested in speaking with HR professionals who have supported multi-site, operational or field-based workforces, ideally within utilities, energy, infrastructure, engineering or other regulated environments. The Role Reporting into a People Partner, you will take ownership of day-to-day HR advisory activity, with a particular emphasis on employee relations, case management and developing line manager capability. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing end-to-end advice on complex ER cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, probation and absence.
• Coaching operational managers through investigations, formal hearings, appeals and informal conflict resolution.
• Advising on UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance and internal HR policies.
• Supporting multiple business units, ensuring a consistent but commercially pragmatic approach to employee relations.
• Working with trade union representatives on employee matters and consultation processes where required.
• Managing sensitive cases, identifying employment risks and escalating complex matters appropriately.
• Supporting organisational change, consultation exercises and TUPE activity where required.
• Working alongside Occupational Health and management teams to address long-term absence and improve attendance.
• Identifying recurring ER trends and developing preventative measures to reduce case volumes.
• Supporting the wider People team with employee engagement, workforce planning and improvements to HR processes. What We're Looking For Essential experience:
• Proven experience as an HR Advisor, Employee Relations Advisor, People Advisor or HR Generalist.
• Strong hands-on experience managing ER cases from initial advice through to resolution.
• Confident knowledge of UK employment law and ACAS best practice.
• Experience advising and challenging operational managers at different levels.
• Previous experience supporting a multi-site business or operational workforce.
• Ability to manage competing ER priorities across different business units.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites. Particularly relevant backgrounds:
• Water and wastewater utilities
• Gas and electricity distribution networks
• Energy suppliers and energy services
• Utilities infrastructure and maintenance contractors
• Engineering and field services businesses
• Other operational, unionised or heavily regulated organisations Why Consider This Opportunity? This is an opportunity to join a well-established utilities group with a diverse operational workforce and a collaborative People function. Rather than operating in a purely administrative HR capacity, you will have direct exposure to operational decision-makers, genuine ownership of employee relations matters and the opportunity to influence how managers handle people challenges. Working pattern: Full-time, hybrid working with up to two days from home Travel: Regular travel between business unit locations If you are an HR professional who enjoys the employee relations side of HR and wants a position with genuine operational exposure, I'd welcome a confidential conversation. Daniel Associate Director | Energy & Utilities Vallum Associates 0204 514 3807