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General information

Posting ID
PSR1JP00099517
Type of employment
Contract
Organisation
AWE
Contract duration
18 months
Location
Reading
Workplace Type
Hybrid

Description & Requirements

On behalf of AWE, we are looking for a HR Specialist (Outside IR35) for an 18 month contract based in 1-2 days per week on site in Reading (“as and when needed” attendance flex can be discussed for the correct candidate)

 

What if you could work on something that you can’t test… but cannot afford to fail? Something that could have spent years on a submarine, is launched into outer space (where the temperature is below -250c), comes hurtling through the atmosphere, being heated up and shaken and then must work? Some challenge.

 

That’s exactly what the team of over 6,500 people at AWE do every day: delivering important work, in support of the most important mission – keeping the nation safe.

AWE plays a crucial role in national nuclear security. Their role in nuclear deterrence and their specialist technical assistance to nuclear threat reduction is vital in the defence against the most serious threats faced by the UK. Working to support the defence of our country, AWE has a clear mission: to keep everyone, the environment, their products and information, sites, and everything around them, safe and secure.

 

As a HR Specialist your main responsibilities will be: 

  • Lead and deliver HR projects on time, within budget, and aligned to the people plan.
  • Work collaboratively across the HR function and wider business to ensure smooth implementation of change initiatives.
  • Provide expert advice, research, and recommendations on HR solutions, driving continuous improvement and high performance.
  • Ensure all HR initiatives comply with best practice, legal, and regulatory requirements, anticipating legal updates and acting accordingly.
  • Identify, manage, and mitigate project risks and interdependencies to support successful delivery.
  • Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including line managers and Trade Union representatives, to support engagement, negotiation, and consistent communication.
  • Act as the subject matter expert and escalation point within HR, supporting Heads of HR and wider teams with specialist guidance.
  • Drive the implementation of supporting technologies and promote efficient, effective people management practices.
  • Represent the organisation on external forums and working groups where appropriate.
  • Maintain and promote high standards in safety, health, security, quality, and teamwork.

 

Essential:

  • Proven experience leading and delivering HR projects from planning to implementation.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across the business.
  • Good working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
  • Ability to identify, assess, and manage project risks and interdependencies.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to provide clear HR advice and guidance.

 

Desirable:

  • Experience working with Trade Unions, including consultation or relationship management.
  • Experience supporting or implementing HR systems or technology changes.
  • Experience supporting organisational change, transformation, or culture initiatives.

 

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

 

AWE’s ambition is to create workplaces that recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and where people feel able to be themselves at work. They strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.

 

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, AWE guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. 

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

 

Armed Forces Covenant 

AWE guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

 

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following “this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.

 

 

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