At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and lead organisational change initiatives.
- Company: Global leader in assurance and risk management with a focus on employee experience.
- Benefits: Generous leave, well-being perks, pension contributions, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative HR community and make a measurable impact across the UK & Ireland.
- Why this job: Become a trusted expert influencing key business decisions and shaping HR strategies.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience in complex employee relations.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us
We are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.
About GSS
As the internal support organization for DNV and DNV owned companies, we deliver shared services within Human Resources, Finance, IT and Real Estate & Procurement to DNV globally. Our mission is to enable DNV to grow, succeed with its business goals and improve competitiveness. Customer experience is at the core of everything we do. GSS is responsible for many of the tools, processes and daily routines that create the backbone of DNV.
About The Role
We are looking for a Principal HR Advisor to join the GSS HR Advisory UK & Ireland team. This senior advisory role requires an experienced HR professional who thrives on solving difficult people issues, influencing stakeholders, and driving high‑quality, commercially focused HR solutions across the business. As one of the most experienced members of the Advisory team, you will act as a trusted expert on complex employee relations, organisational change, and employment legislation, partnering with senior leaders and HR colleagues to support critical business decisions.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide expert advice and strategic guidance on complex employee relations matters
- Lead significant organisational change initiatives including restructures, TUPE transfers and harmonisation programmes
- Act as the escalation point for challenging and precedent‑setting cases
- Partner with senior business leaders, BA HR and key stakeholders to enable business performance and effective decision‑making
- Influence and coach leaders through complex people and organisational issues
- Support labour relations matters, employee representative consultations and union‑related activity where required
- Drive continuous improvement of HR processes, governance standards and service delivery
- Lead or contribute to strategic HR projects and transformation initiatives
- Support capability development across the wider HR Advisory team through mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing
What We Offer
Non‑contractual Profit Share Scheme
Lifestyle benefits: 26 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity for up to 10 days unpaid leave, sabbatical leave, flexible working options
Well‑being benefits (including private medical, dental insurance, health assessments, gym allowance), company contribution to eye tests and glasses for computer/laptop users, flu vaccinations, and free fruit in our offices
Financial benefits: pension scheme with employer pension contributions up to 9%, life assurance and income protection
Reimbursement of relevant professional membership fees (up to £570)
Access to employee retail discount site for high street and online shopping
About You
CIPD qualification (Level 7 or equivalent) or equivalent experience
Extensive knowledge of current and upcoming UK employment law and employee relations best practice
Proven track record managing complex ER cases and providing advice on high‑risk business matters
Sound judgement, resilience and ability to deliver pragmatic solutions in complex situations
Significant experience leading restructures, redundancy programmes and organisational change projects
Strong expertise in TUPE, consultation processes and terms & conditions harmonisation
Confidence to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders at all levels
Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance legal risk, business needs and employee experience
Experience operating within a shared services or matrix environment would be advantageous
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to become a recognised expert within a global organisation where your expertise will directly influence business decisions and employee outcomes. You’ll work alongside a highly experienced shared services HR team, contribute to strategic people initiatives, and help shape the continued evolution of GSS HR Advisory within DNV.
You’ll Benefit From
Exposure to complex and business‑critical people matters
Opportunities to influence organisational change at scale
A collaborative and supportive global HR community
Professional development and continuous learning opportunities
The chance to make a measurable impact across the UK & Ireland business
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re looking for a role where you can apply your expertise, influence decision‑making and help shape the future of HR Advisory, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and be the trusted expert behind great people decisions.
Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country‑specific laws and practices.
DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.
Principal ER/HR Advisor in Loughborough employer: DNV
DNV is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from professional development opportunities and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in Loughborough, the flexible hybrid working conditions and comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance and pension contributions, make DNV a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal ER/HR Advisor in Loughborough
✨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 DNV!
✨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 DNV.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal ER/HR Advisor in Loughborough
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 DNV. 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 DNV 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 DNV. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to DNV'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 DNV
✨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 DNV.
✨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 DNV 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 DNV and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
