At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage employee relations cases and support junior HR colleagues in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join City West Country, an award-winning automotive group with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, remote work options, and a fantastic car benefit scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experiences while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in employee relations and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Exeter Office 4 days per week, 1 day working from home
Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00 or 08:00-16:30
Salary: up to £40,000.00 per annum depending on experience
Contract: Fixed term or permanent
Are you an experienced HR professional who enjoys getting stuck into meaningful ER casework, building trusted relationships and helping others grow? At City West Country Ltd, our HR team plays a key role in supporting our people and shaping a positive employee experience across the business. We are a friendly, collaborative team that works closely with managers, celebrates success and takes pride in making a genuine difference. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to use their ER expertise in a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same.
You will be trusted to manage a broad range of cases, support confident decision-making and help junior HR colleagues continue to develop their skills. As Senior HR Advisor, you will provide practical, commercially focused HR guidance across the business, with a strong focus on managing complex and sensitive employee relations matters through to resolution. This is not a line management role, but you will be a valued point of support for a junior HR Advisor, offering guidance on casework, process and best practice.
- Managing employee relations cases from start to finish, including absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability and performance matters.
- Guiding junior HR Advisor on case handling, documentation and best practice.
- Visiting sites across the South West to assist with ER cases.
- Coaching and supporting managers on employment law and HR best practice.
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders across multiple sites.
- Supporting change initiatives, organisational development and HR projects.
- Assisting with policy development and continuous improvement of HR processes.
- Contributing to wellbeing initiatives and creating a positive employee experience.
- Using HR data and insights to support informed decision-making.
Who are City West Country? CWC is a privately owned, award-winning automotive group with over 40 years of success. With an annual turnover exceeding £368 million, CWC is ranked as the 47th largest dealer group in the UK. Operating across twelve locations under brands including Mercedes-Benz (cars and vans), smart, BYD, Chery, Maxus and Tangelo, the business employs around 700 people across retail, fleet sales, vans, servicing, and repair. As a family owned business, we're proud of our strong values and supportive culture. We have also been recognised as a Very Good Company to Work For by Best Companies.
What's in it for you?
- Car Benefit Scheme
- Working from home opportunities dependent on business needs
- 25 days' holiday (plus Bank Holidays)
- Scottish Widows salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Benefits Hub with 1,000s of amazing deals on all brands employees love
- Life assurance 1 x basic salary for free!
- Excellent training, support and opportunities to keep developing
- Cycle to work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Long Service Awards to celebrate your milestones
What You'll Be Doing:
- Advise and coach managers on ER processes, employment law and HR best practice
- Support junior HR Advisor with case management guidance and practical coaching
- Support organisational change and restructuring initiatives
- Deliver and continuously improve HR processes and procedures
- Lead on key operational HR activities as required
- Support and develop HR systems, reporting, and data insights
- Assist in implementing HR policies aligned with best practice and legislation
- Contribute to HR projects that deliver our People Strategy
- Provide support across HR and Payroll functions when needed
- Ensure high levels of accuracy, quality, and clear communication
What We're Looking For:
- Strong employee relations case management experience within an HR Advisor or Senior HR Advisor role
- Confidence supporting or mentoring junior HR colleagues; line management experience is not required
- Experience working within a changing or evolving business environment
- Strong communication and influencing skills
Licence/Certification:
- CIPD Level 5 or 7 (preferred)
- Driving Licence
We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive place to work, with a commitment to equality and fairness at the heart of our values and everyday practices and policies. We aim to recruit, nurture and retain a diverse workforce that reflect the diversity of our customer base.
Senior HR Advisor in Exeter employer: City West Country Ltd
City West Country is an excellent employer for Van Technicians, offering a highly competitive salary with uncapped bonuses and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through excellent training and globally accredited qualifications. Located in Taunton, employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, a robust pension scheme, and access to exclusive discounts, all while working in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor in Exeter
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at City West Country Ltd!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at City West Country Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at City West Country Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to City West Country Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at City West Country Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to City West Country Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at City West Country Ltd
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with City West Country Ltd.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at City West Country Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact City West Country Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
