At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and build the HR function from scratch for a growing business unit.
- Company: Private equity-backed organisation in drainage and plumbing services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional training support, and free onsite parking.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for strategic contribution and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing HR processes in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as an HR Advisor with strong UK employment law knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a private equity-backed organisation operating across drainage and plumbing services, with a growing footprint of 180 employees across the group. As they continue to expand through acquisition, they are investing in their people function and are now seeking a Senior HR Advisor to support one of their specialist business units (circa 40 employees) based in Lewes, East Sussex. This is a newly created, standalone role within a smaller company in the group, offering a unique opportunity to build and shape the unit's HR function from the ground up.
The role is paying £45,000-£48,000 DOE plus benefits including support with/funding for professional training. The role is onsite at the company offices based 5 days a week in Lewes, Brighton. Working hours are 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Free parking is available onsite.
Reporting into the Group People Director, you will take full ownership of HR for a 40-person business unit based in Lewes. With no existing HR infrastructure in place, you will play a key role in introducing, embedding, and evolving HR processes while supporting managers across all aspects of people management. This is a hands-on, operational role with scope to contribute strategically as the business grows.
Responsibilities include:
- Act as the primary HR contact for the business unit, supporting managers and employees
- Provide expert guidance on UK employment law and HR best practice
- Manage employee relations cases end-to-end
- Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and processes from scratch
- Create contracts, offer letters, and HR documentation
- Coach managers on people-related matters
- Support organisational growth, including integration of future acquisitions
- Drive consistency and continuous improvement in HR practices
Requirements:
- Proven experience as an HR Advisor or Senior HR Advisor in a generalist role
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations
- Experience developing policies and HR processes
- Comfortable working in a standalone, hands-on environment
- Agile, proactive, and solutions-focused with a creative approach
- Confident influencing and supporting line managers
- Experience in blue-collar, engineering, or field-based environments is highly desirable
- Able to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day HR administration
HR Advisor in Brighton employer: Ashdown Group
Join a dynamic and growing private equity-backed organisation in Lewes, East Sussex, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the HR function from the ground up. With a strong commitment to employee development, including funding for professional training, and a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, this role offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact. Enjoy the benefits of free onsite parking and a hands-on approach to HR within a close-knit team of 40 employees, all while contributing to the strategic growth of the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in standalone roles. They can provide insights and might even know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would build HR processes from scratch, as this role is all about shaping the function for the business unit.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! In your conversations, highlight specific examples of how you've managed employee relations cases or developed HR policies. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a standalone environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience in developing HR policies and your knowledge of UK employment law. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this standalone role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed HR processes in the past, especially in smaller teams.
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience:Since this role is all about being hands-on, make sure to emphasise your practical experience in HR. Talk about times when you’ve taken initiative to implement HR strategies or resolve employee relations issues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashdown Group
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in a standalone environment. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled employee relations issues or developed HR policies from scratch. This role is all about building processes, so demonstrating your proactive and solutions-focused mindset will really impress them.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company and its growth plans, especially regarding acquisitions. Being able to discuss how you can support their organisational growth and integrate new employees will highlight your strategic thinking and alignment with their goals.
✨Be Ready to Coach
Since you'll be supporting managers, think about how you can effectively coach them on people-related matters. Prepare to share your approach to influencing and guiding line managers, as this will be key in a hands-on role like this one.
