HR Advisor in Exeter

Department: HR

Contract Type: Full Time / Permanent

Location: Exeter

Ashfords is looking for a full‑time HR Advisor to join our Exeter team. In this role, you’ll work closely and support our HR Consultants (HR Business Partners) to provide practical, high‑quality HR support that helps the firm achieve its objectives. You will develop a strong understanding of your assigned business areas, their priorities, and upcoming challenges, enabling you to provide timely, commercially‑focused HR advice.

You will support the delivery of the HR business partner model, assisting line managers with employee relations and day‑to‑day people matters, while contributing to strategic workforce planning and initiatives to develop talent, engagement, and performance. You will also collaborate with the wider HR team to enhance policies, processes, and employee experience initiatives, as well as coordinate Diversity and Inclusion activities to promote equity and inclusion across the firm.

The role involves maintaining quality standards, providing cover for colleagues when needed, and handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion. This is a varied and fast‑paced role that offers the opportunity to make a real impact while supporting a high‑performing, collaborative team.

Who you are:

• You’re a proactive and adaptable HR professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and can respond effectively to the demands of the role.
• You enjoy building strong relationships and working closely with colleagues at all levels, providing practical, commercially‑focused HR solutions.
• You are confident, curious, and solution‑oriented, able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• With excellent written and verbal communication skills, you can present ideas clearly, influence others, and drive positive outcomes.
• You are a strong team player with a flexible, can‑do attitude, who takes initiative, works ethically, and respects confidentiality.
• Ideally, you will have experience in a busy, commercial environment and hold, or be working towards, a CIPD qualification.
• A passion for supporting people, improving employee experience, and contributing to a culture of inclusion and collaboration is key.
• Experience with Diversity and Inclusion initiatives would be an advantage, though it is not essential.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop into a HR Business Partner role. You will be supporting our two HR Consultants and will have the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in HR operations and developing your strategic partnering skills.

At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work – we believe in building a great place to work. When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work – they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.

With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work‑life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career. Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way.

Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward‑thinking team.

We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance. Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee‑led diversity and inclusion groups.

You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.

Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.

We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.

At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us.

For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Kitty Hughes, Talent Attraction Assistant. Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.