Graduate HR Advisor

We are seeking a Graduate HR Advisor to join our HR Operations team on a CIPD Level 5 apprenticeship programme at DWF! If you are looking for the first step in your HR Career and want to enhance your experience and knowledge, with opportunities for development - this could be the role you’ve been looking for!

Our HR advisors act as the first line of support for HR queries and advice, supporting our colleagues and coaching line managers, leaders and the wider HR community across DWF. They handle day to day queries and provide HR advice; work on a range of HR processes; use our HR system (HiBOB) to keep records; provide relevant HR information to colleagues. The role is based in our Manchester on a hybrid basis, allowing a balance of office and home working days.

You will be joining an established and award-winning Early Careers Program with over 120 apprentices and 100+ graduates across our DWF Offices. The CIPD apprenticeship is offered on a 24-month fixed-term contract. At the end of the 2-year apprenticeship programme the successful candidate will have been supported in undertaking the Level 5 CIPD qualification through to completion whilst working in role. At the conclusion of the apprenticeship you’ll be on a pathway to a permanent HR advisor role within the HR team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to move forward into a professional HR Advisor role; balancing work with studying.

You will get involved in a variety of activities including but not limited to the following:

• Maintain in depth knowledge of current HR Legislation and Policies with a future view of looking for opportunities to improve them continuously in line with changes to legislation.
• Support and coach our colleagues and line managers with day-to-day HR and payroll queries as well as HR policy advice.
• Provide advice to our employees and conduct family friendly meetings with them.
• Build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver a personable and customer focused service.
• Ensure deadlines and any KPI/SLA/targets are met.
• Create and implement HR policies/templates/documentation, ensuring current legislation is followed and updated accordingly.
• Support end-to-end employee lifecycle from processing new hires to leavers.
• Provide advice and support for HR systems.
• Answer queries regarding new starters, leavers and overseeing changes.
• Maintain accurate records for all changes to employee terms and conditions as directed and to initiate the creation of key documents through the HR Systems and manage related processes.
• Support the HR Business Partnering Team with cyclical HR projects as and when required.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or completing Bachelors degree in 2025, or;
• Level 3 CIPD qualification, or;
• Other relevant HR work experience.

Skills:

• Passion to deliver an excellent, personalised and compassionate colleague experience.
• Great attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills making them approachable and trustworthy with colleagues.
• Desire to work as part of a team, building and maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues.
• Commitment to continuous personal development, staying informed about business changes, and keeping abreast of updates in HR legal, policy, and process changes.

At DWF, we deeply appreciate the significance of offering a comprehensive rewards package that extends beyond a basic salary. Our commitment is to ensure that each member of our team not only feels valued but is also duly rewarded throughout their tenure with us. Upon joining our organisation, you will have the opportunity to select from a diverse array of benefits, allowing you to carefully tailor a package that perfectly aligns with your individual needs and those of your family. In addition to our standard benefits, we offer a wide range of flexible benefits and robust well-being programs.

Our recruitment process upholds the highest standards of fairness and engagement. It includes comprehensive interviews and, at times, a written assessment, an assessment day, or presentation. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support.

DWF is a global legal business providing Complex, Managed and Connected Services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.