HR Consultant (Interim), National Oceanography Centre
Fixed term contract | 9 months | Full time | Salary £80,000 | Primarily remote, with occasional travel to Southampton
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is the UK's leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Its work spans world class, agenda setting science and technology, tackling large scale, long term challenges to understand the global ocean, from ocean warming and sea level rise to marine ecosystem health. Its findings underpin UK and international public policy, and NOC operates the Royal Research Ships James Cook and Discovery alongside a range of national marine facilities held on behalf of the UK. It is a genuinely purpose driven organisation whose research matters well beyond its own walls, sitting at an important intersection of public good, environmental science, and national capability.
NOC is now looking to appoint an experienced interim HR Consultant for a nine month, full time, fixed term engagement. The role is primarily remote, with occasional travel to the Southampton office for key meetings, and reports to the Director of People and Culture.
At the heart of this role is the design of a clear, accessible and trusted Raising Concerns Framework, alongside a review of existing HR policies and procedures. This is work that goes to the core of NOC's culture and transformation agenda, strengthening psychological safety, clarifying accountability, and making sure concerns are handled consistently, proportionately and with care. Beyond that central piece, the role offers scope to provide broader HR consultancy support and to advise on complex and emerging people matters across the organisation.
We are looking for an experienced HR consultant, ideally with a background in the charity, not for profit, public, research or similarly purpose led sectors. You will bring strong knowledge of UK employment legislation, proven expertise in employee relations and HR policy development, and real credibility when handling sensitive issues. Experience designing or reviewing raising concerns, speak up or resolution frameworks would be a distinct advantage, as would an understanding of organisational culture, employee voice, and how to embed policy into everyday practice. Strong stakeholder management, sound judgement and discretion are essential, along with the ability to work independently while integrating well with internal teams.
This is an opportunity to do meaningful, high-trust work for an organisation whose mission genuinely matters, and to leave a lasting mark on how its people are supported and heard.
To find out more, please download the candidate pack. If you have any queries which are not answered in the pack, please contact Robert at Cadence Partners on noc-hr@cadencepartners.co.uk.
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If you have any questions about the role or your application after reviewing the candidate materials, please get in touch.