People (HR) Advisor in London

Costello Medical is a rapidly growing global healthcare agency specialising in medical communications, market access, and health economic and outcomes research. We work with a wide range of clients, including the industry’s most successful pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, patient and public health bodies, and charitable organisations. We have been listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list since 2017, the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work list in 2025, and were proud to receive B Corporation accreditation in 2022. We are also a certified Disability Confident and menopause friendly workplace.

The People team plays a central role in the success of Costello Medical, helping to create a positive and supportive experience for colleagues throughout their careers at the company. As a People Advisor sitting in our Senior People team, you will be an approachable and trusted source of support for colleagues and managers across the organisation, providing practical guidance on a variety of people management matters and taking ownership of employee relations casework. You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to colleagues throughout the employment lifecycle, while helping us maintain a People function that is supportive, responsive and aligned with the needs of our growing organisation.

This is a varied role which also offers exposure to a broad range of People processes and initiatives across areas such as employee engagement, wellbeing, development and talent management. You will be encouraged to bring new ideas and find better ways of working, including using technology and AI to streamline processes and reduce manual administration, giving the team more time to focus on what matters most: our people.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing trusted advice and guidance to colleagues and managers on employee relations and people management matters, with a focus on managing employee relations casework.
• Overseeing the effective delivery and continuous improvement of People processes and projects across the employee lifecycle, including reward processes, employee surveys and talent management initiatives.
• Leading projects that strengthen employee engagement, helping to create an inclusive and positive experience for all colleagues.
• Reviewing and developing People policies and procedures, ensuring they remain aligned with current legislation and the evolving needs of the organisation.
• Proactively identifying opportunities to streamline and enhance People processes through technology, automation and AI, including developing automated workflows that reduce manual work and support a more efficient People service.
• Creating and reviewing employee communications and HR documentation, ensuring information is accurate, clear and appropriately tailored to its audience.
• Contributing proactively to People team forums by leading discussions, sharing knowledge and delivering training on relevant topics.
• Supporting and developing colleagues within the People team, with opportunities to take on line management responsibilities of People Administrators as the role develops.

Requirements for the role:

• A Level 5 CIPD qualification or another relevant HR qualification.
• Proven experience working in a People/HR Advisor or similar generalist HR role.
• Experience providing advice and guidance on employee relations and people management matters, with exposure to areas such as performance, conduct, grievances and absence.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice, with the ability to translate requirements into practical and proportionate advice.
• Experience supporting People processes or projects across the employee lifecycle.
• Strong research and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate People-related topics and develop well-reasoned recommendations.
• Experience developing HR policies, procedures or guidance materials.
• Sound judgement, tact and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex or sensitive information clearly and appropriately.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage employee relations casework and projects simultaneously.
• A collaborative and approachable working style, with the ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues and senior stakeholders across the company.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering an accurate, responsive and high-quality People service.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and AI tools, with an interest in exploring how technology can improve processes and ways of working.
• Experience supporting and developing colleagues within a team would be advantageous.

What We Offer:

• A starting salary of £34,000 to £38,000 per annum, depending on your previous experience, as well as a discretionary profit share bonus paid twice per year.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank and public holidays, as well as a holiday buy and sell scheme.
• Flexible working hours and the chance to work from home for up to half of your working time after passing probation.
• Flexible benefits scheme offering cash payments, additional pension contributions and more.
• Private Medical Insurance which offers comprehensive cover on a “medical history disregard” basis.
• Paid study leave and funding for external qualifications.
• Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Paid and unpaid sabbaticals based on length of service.

The Application Process:

You are required to submit your CV and a cover letter via our online application form. In your cover letter, you must explain why you think you would be suited to the role and why you would like to join Costello Medical, with examples to support both. Your CV should clearly state the dates of all qualifications and grades achieved where applicable.

Our recruitment process includes an initial telephone interview with a member of the Talent Acquisition team. Following this, you will be invited to a final interview with senior members of our People team, which includes completing a short assessment.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and, throughout the recruitment process, there are a number of reasonable adjustments we can provide.