At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide HR advice, support managers, and promote best practices in a people-focused environment.
- Company: Join a supportive and collaborative HR team in Ashford, Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to coach and build relationships across the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations and workplace culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR experience with strong employment law knowledge.
Are you an experienced HR professional looking for your next challenge in a fast-paced and people-focused environment? We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded HR Advisor to join our HR team. Reporting to the HR Business Partner, you will act as the first point of contact for managers, providing balanced, pragmatic, and legally compliant HR advice across a wide range of employee relations matters.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives on building strong relationships, coaching managers, and delivering practical HR solutions that support both people and business performance.
The Role
As HR Advisor, you will support managers across a broad range of HR and employee relations activities, ensuring consistent and fair application of policies and procedures while promoting best practice people management. You will play a key role in supporting managers with complex ER cases, absence management, performance issues, investigations, and formal processes, while helping to create a positive and compliant workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide first-line HR advice and guidance to managers on employee relations matters
- Support managers with:
- Sickness absence management
- Investigations, disciplinaries, and grievances
- Capability and performance management
- Flexible working requests
- Whistleblowing concerns
- Advise and support managers on suspension processes
- Attend formal meetings and hearings, taking accurate and confidential notes
- Draft professional correspondence including outcome letters and case documentation
- Monitor sickness absence triggers and support occupational health referrals
- Liaise effectively with trade union representatives and employee representatives
- Deliver coaching and training to managers on HR policies and processes
- Support continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures, and best practice
- Assist with HR projects and initiatives as required
About You
We are looking for someone who is confident, organised, and solutions-focused, with strong employment law knowledge and excellent communication skills.
Essential Skills & Experience
- CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards) OR equivalent HR Advisory experience
- Proven experience managing complex employee relations cases
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to build credible relationships with managers at all levels
- Confident delivering training and coaching sessions
- IT proficient including Microsoft Office and HR systems
Desirable
- Experience working with trade unions or employee representatives
- Experience using iTrent HR system
Personal Attributes
- Professional, approachable, and resilient
- Commercially minded with a pragmatic approach
- High levels of integrity and confidentiality
- Able to work independently and manage competing priorities
- Calm under pressure and solution focused
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to work within a supportive and collaborative HR team
- Varied and rewarding role with real impact across the organisation
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- Chance to contribute to meaningful people initiatives and culture improvement
If you are passionate about people, employee relations, and supporting managers to achieve positive outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
HR Advisor in Ashford employer: CareTech UK
Join our dynamic HR team in Ashford, Kent, where we prioritise a supportive and collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As an HR Advisor, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact on employee relations and contribute to meaningful initiatives that enhance workplace culture, all while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in Ashford
✨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 culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around employee relations and coaching managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your knowledge of UK employment law and how you've successfully managed complex ER cases in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in Ashford
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 knowledge of UK employment law and any relevant HR projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about HR and how your proactive approach can help us support managers effectively. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an HR Advisor, communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, let us see your writing prowess!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at CareTech UK
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in real-life scenarios, especially regarding employee relations matters. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it practically.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've successfully managed complex employee relations cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you demonstrate your experience and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves coaching managers, be ready to share examples of how you've trained or supported others in HR policies and processes. Highlight your ability to build relationships and communicate effectively, as these are key attributes for an HR Advisor.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, HR initiatives, and how the HR team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
