Senior HR, People and Development Adviser – UKTL programme.

This is a 6–12 month fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking a skilled and commercially‑minded Senior HR, People and Development Adviser to join its People Team, supporting the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) programme.

This is a high‑impact role for an experienced HR professional who thrives in a fast‑moving, technically complex environment and enjoys working closely with leaders to embed change, improve capability and build high‑performing teams.

About the role

As a trusted partner to the business, you will play a key role in delivering people initiatives that attract, reward, retain, develop and engage our people, ensuring NPL/UKTL delivers against its mission, vision and values.

Working as part of the wider People Team, but operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role would particularly suit someone who has worked in a sole HR role and within a technology‑led organisation, and who is comfortable supporting a wide range of technical and professional stakeholders, You’ll be the on-site specialist, working independently day to day while being fully supported by our wider Head Office teams, and will report into the NPL team based in Teddington.

Key responsibilities

You will:

Provide expert advice and guidance on complex policy development, organisational change, performance management and employee relations, supporting sustainable business capability
Act as the subject matter expert for complex ER and/or policy matters, advising managers and leaders and mentoring HR colleagues when required
Support delivery of the People Strategy, taking ownership of specific HR projects and annual cycle programmes, ensuring effective implementation
- Work in partnership with specialist People Team functions to support:
  engagement and wellbeing
- workforce planning and resourcing
- talent management and succession
- learning & development initiatives
- diversity & inclusion
- the creation of a high‑performance culture

Help embed recent organisational changes, including post‑restructure activity, ensuring ways of working, roles and behaviours are clearly adopted
Drive continuous improvement, responding to evolving business needs and statutory requirements
Use management information and people analytics to provide insight‑led advice and recommendations
Ensure all employee interactions are fair, consistent, legally compliant and aligned with NPL policies, mitigating organisational risk

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Solihull, Birmingham at least twice a week

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

NPL jobs

Senior HR, People and Development Adviser