Lead People Adviser (HR) in Chester

Location: Cross College (Primary base: Poole Campus)

Shape the future of our people and your career. At Bournemouth & Poole College, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to grow and strengthen the College, we are investing in our most important asset, our staff. Whether supporting students directly or enabling learning through professional services, we foster a culture that develops, supports and empowers colleagues to make an exceptional impact. Through strong leadership and a commitment to excellence, we are building a future-ready workforce that thrives in a supportive and ambitious environment.

This newly created role is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking People Services team and play a key role in shaping a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

About the role:

• As a Lead People Adviser, you will be a senior member of the People Services team—combining expert HR advice with operational leadership.
• You'll partner with leaders across the College to deliver high-quality, pragmatic HR support, while leading the day-to-day delivery of People Services.
• This includes managing our People Administration team, overseeing HR processes and systems, and driving a consistent, customer-focused service.
• You'll play a critical role in leading complex employee relations activity, strengthening management capability, and supporting organisational change—helping to ensure a positive and compliant colleague experience across the full employee lifecycle.

What you'll be doing:

• Acting as a trusted adviser to leaders, providing expert guidance on complex employee relations matters.
• Leading and managing sensitive and high-risk casework with confidence and sound judgement.
• Line managing and developing the People Administration team to deliver an efficient, high-quality service.
• Overseeing HR operations, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely processes across the employee lifecycle.
• Supporting organisational change initiatives, including restructures and workforce planning.
• Using workforce data and insight to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
• Championing a positive, inclusive and people-centred culture across the College.
• Contributing to policy development, projects and the delivery of the People Strategy.

What we're looking for:

• We're looking for a credible and proactive HR professional who can combine strong operational leadership with expert advisory capability.
• You will bring significant experience in a senior HR advisory or business partnering role.
• Proven expertise in managing complex employee relations casework.
• Experience leading or supervising HR teams and service delivery.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to use data and insight to inform decisions.
• CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) is essential.

Why join us?

• Be part of a growing, values-driven organisation where people truly matter.
• Play a key role in shaping an exceptional colleague experience.
• Join a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking People Services team.
• Access ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Benefit from a competitive package, including generous annual leave and pension.

Ready to apply? If you are a motivated HR professional with a passion for supporting people and delivering excellence, we would love to hear from you. We encourage early applications, as we may close the vacancy once we receive a sufficient number of strong applications.

Working at Bournemouth and Poole College:

• More than just a job. At Bournemouth & Poole College, we are passionate about turning potential into professionals. We are the largest college in the area and a vital engine for the local economy, educating over 9,000 learners and partnering with over 1,000 employers to bridge the gap between local talent and real futures.
• A proud culture. We know that if we want our students to succeed, we have to start by looking after our people. We work hard to create an environment where you feel trusted and valued rather than just employed.
• A place to grow and belong. We are committed to a workplace that is genuinely inclusive, where everyone is inspired to contribute and succeed. You will find a vibrant, rewarding environment that celebrates ambition and success in equal measures.

To get a better feel for life at the College and explore our full range of benefits, visit our Work With Us page.

Armed Forces Covenant: As proud Armed Forces Covenant signatories, we value the skills and experience veterans, reservists and military families, and encourage them to consider a career with us.

Safeguarding Commitment: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share in this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks which includes an enhanced DBS check as well as providing proof of the right to work in the UK.