HR Advisor

Our solutions are a key part of most industries - electronics, medical research, renewable energy, food production, infrastructure and many more. Working with us means working with the latest technologies and groundbreaking, sustainable innovations. Join us on our journey for a better tomorrow.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an HR Advisor to join the Edwards team based at Product Company Eastbourne. Edwards has been engineering environments where innovation thrives for more than 100 years. Our legacy is built on a willingness to push the boundaries of science – that’s why we’re a global leader of vacuum and abatement. Being part of Atlas Copco Group means we have more than 55,000 employees around the world; this is your opportunity to work alongside passion, expertise, and with the latest technology to transform industries such as electronics, medical research, renewable energy and more. Together, we have the power to improve millions of lives and shape countless careers.

We are diverse by nature and inclusive by choice. We recognize that bright ideas come from all of us. We embrace our different experiences and perspectives to create an inclusive, safe, and innovative culture where everyone has a sense of belonging and purpose.

Mission/ Purpose of Job

As a key partner in the Eastbourne site’s success, the HR Advisor drives strategic change and delivers high-quality operational support. This role focuses on strengthening employee relations, leading change initiatives, and improving HR processes to support business goals. By working closely with managers, the HR Advisor ensures that HR solutions are practical, compliant, and aligned with organizational priorities. Our mission is to enable a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged workplace by delivering impactful HR strategies that foster continuous improvement, support employee well-being, and drive business success.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategic People Partnership
  • Provide HR partnership support to managers, offering guidance on people strategy, workforce planning, and organisational development.
  • Partner with managers to identify organisational improvements and develop robust people plans.
  • Align people practices with business objectives to drive performance, engagement, and cultural alignment.
  • Lead the planning and implementation of people change initiatives (e.g., restructures, TUPE, cultural transformation).
  • Conduct change readiness and impact assessments; manage stakeholder engagement and communication.
  • Coach managers to build change capability and resilience.
• Employee Relations & Compliance
  • Lead on complex ER cases, including disciplinary, grievance, absence, and performance management, ensuring fair and legally compliant outcomes.
  • Provide expert advice on employment law, policy interpretation, and HR best practices.
  • Ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal governance frameworks.
• Recruitment & Onboarding
  • Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, including job design, advertising, interviewing, and onboarding.
  • Use profiling and psychometric tools to support high-quality hiring decisions.
  • Ensure a smooth, inclusive candidate experience and an effective induction process.
• Performance, Learning & Development
  • Support the performance management cycle, including appraisals, feedback, and development planning.
  • Identify training needs and support learning and development initiatives to build capability.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• People Metrics & Reporting
  • Collect, analyse, and report on key people metrics (e.g., turnover, absence, time-to-hire, engagement).
  • Use data insights to identify trends, inform strategic planning, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Present findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
  • Champion diversity and inclusion across all people practices.
  • Lead or support wellbeing initiatives that enhance employee health, morale, and work-life balance.
  • Act as a point of contact for wellbeing-related queries and support.
• Internal Communication & Culture
  • Support internal communication strategies to keep employees informed and engaged.
  • Organise and participate in culture-building activities such as employee forums, recognition schemes, and social events.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture.
• Policy & Process Improvement
  • Develop, review, and implement people policies and procedures in line with legislation and best practice.
  • Identify and implement improvements to HR processes and working practices to maximise efficiency.

Scope of the job

Reporting to the HR manager, The HR Advisor plays a key role in delivering both strategic and operational HR initiatives across the Eastbourne site. Partnering closely with site leadership, this role ensures the effective implementation of people strategies, policies, and initiatives that align with business goals. Supporting a headcount of 250–300 employees and a leadership team of around 40. It requires a balance of strategic insight and hands-on delivery, with a strong focus on relationship building, stakeholder influence and continuous improvement.

To succeed, you will need

• Proven experience in HR advisory and/or change management roles.
• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience in dealing with complex ER cases.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience leading or supporting organisational change initiatives.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret and present HR metrics.
• Experience managing end-to-end recruitment processes.
• Experience supporting D&I, wellbeing, and internal communication initiatives.
• Proficiency in people systems and tools (e.g., Excel, HRIS, dashboards).
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, solution-focused, and resilient approach.

There’s power in our perks too. They vary by where you are in the world, but you can expect:

• 25 days’ holiday and bank holidays off.
• Up to 7.5% bonus/profit share scheme.
• Up to 8% company contribution pension.
• 4 x basic salary life assurance.
• Cash health plan.
• Subsidised canteen and gym membership.
• Long Service, Recognition and Reward programmes.
• Family ready policies.
• Support/sponsorship for formal qualifications and professional development.
• Time off to volunteer.
• Global career opportunities.
• Thriving well-being programme.
• And more.

Diverse by nature and inclusive by choice. Bright ideas come from all of us. The more unique perspectives we embrace, the more innovative we are. Together we build a culture where difference is valued and we share a deep sense of purpose and belonging.