HR Advisor (Maternity Cover) – Generalist & Training Lead

HR Advisor (Maternity Cover) – Generalist & Training Lead

Full-Time 30000 - 33000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Axon Moore

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR strategy, deliver training, and assist with recruitment and employee relations.
  • Company: Established FMCG organisation with over 60 years of heritage and a customer-first approach.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, KPI bonus, 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to diverse HR activities.
  • Why this job: Expand your HR skills in a supportive, fast-paced environment while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: CIPD Level 5, strong HR knowledge, and excellent communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33000 £ per year.

Location: UK (Multi-site support role) – Head office Preston, Lancashire

Job type: Full-time | Monday-Friday (40 hours per week, incl. 1-hour unpaid break)

Salary: £30,000 – £33,000 per annum + benefits

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, market-leading organisation within the FMCG sector, with a proud heritage of over 60 years. With a turnover exceeding £170m and a workforce of 400+ employees, they operate across multiple UK locations, delivering essential products to a diverse customer base.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a proactive and enthusiastic HR Advisor to join the team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a true generalist HR role, working closely with the HR Manager, Group HR Director, and wider HR team. You'll play a key part in supporting managers, delivering training, and driving people initiatives across the business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the delivery of the HR strategy and people initiatives
  • Create engaging training content using authoring tools
  • Deliver learning & development sessions to managers and teams
  • Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness via HR systems
  • Provide guidance to managers on HR policies and procedures
  • Support the full recruitment lifecycle (advertising, shortlisting, interviewing, onboarding)
  • Assist with employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, and absence management
  • Provide support on employment law matters
  • Help manage family-friendly policies across the business
  • Produce and analyse HR reports and data
  • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation
  • Maintain high standards of confidentiality and professionalism

Compliance & Culture

  • Ensure all HR advice aligns with UK employment legislation and best practice
  • Support a culture of fairness, inclusion, and continuous improvement
  • Contribute to a safe working environment, adhering to Health & Safety policies

What We're Looking For

Essential

  • CIPD Level 5
  • Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice
  • Experience working in a busy HR environment supporting managers
  • Proven experience handling employee relations matters
  • Experience across the full recruitment process
  • Excellent communication, organisational, and presentation skills
  • Passion for learning & development and training delivery
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Strong discretion and ability to handle confidential information
  • Intermediate Microsoft Office skills

Desirable

  • Experience in an HR Advisor / HR Officer role
  • Knowledge of SuccessFactors or similar HR systems
  • Experience using Articulate or other training authoring tools
  • Comfortable using social media for recruitment or engagement
  • Full UK driving licence

What's in It for You

  • KPI Bonus Scheme
  • 28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays, pro rata)
  • Company Pension Scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Company Sick Pay
  • Employee Discount Scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme

Why Apply

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional looking to expand their generalist experience in a supportive, fast-paced environment. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of HR activities while contributing to meaningful people initiatives.

How to Apply

Send your CV to (url removed) to submit your application or for more information call me on (phone number removed).

HR Advisor (Maternity Cover) – Generalist & Training Lead employer: Axon Moore

Our client is a leading FMCG organisation with over 60 years of heritage, offering a dynamic work environment in Preston that prioritises employee growth and development. As an HR Advisor, you will benefit from a supportive culture that values training and continuous improvement, alongside competitive perks such as a KPI bonus scheme, generous holiday allowance, and a comprehensive employee assistance programme. Join a team that champions equality and inclusion while making a tangible impact across multiple sites.

Axon Moore

Contact Details:

Axon Moore Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Advisor (Maternity Cover) – Generalist & Training Lead

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable answering common HR questions and discussing your experience. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor (Maternity Cover) – Generalist & Training Lead

CIPD Level 5
UK Employment Law
HR Best Practice
Employee Relations
Recruitment Process
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the HR Advisor role. Highlight your CIPD Level 5 qualification and any relevant experience in employee relations or training delivery.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about HR and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific examples of your past achievements that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves supporting managers and delivering training, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Axon Moore

Know Your HR Stuff

Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with common HR scenarios, especially those related to employee relations, as you'll likely be asked how you'd handle specific situations.

Showcase Your Training Skills

Since the role involves delivering training sessions, prepare to discuss your experience in creating engaging training content. Bring examples of past training materials or sessions you've led to demonstrate your skills.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that require you to think on your feet. Prepare for scenario-based questions about recruitment processes, handling grievances, or promoting diversity and inclusion. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Highlight Your Communication Skills

As an HR Advisor, communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with managers and employees in the past. Share examples that showcase your ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.