Senior HR Advisor in Ambleside

Looking for an HR role where you can genuinely own employee relations and have real influence over how things get done? Want to do that for an employer with a fantastic benefits package, set in the heart of the Lake District? This is a great opportunity to join a well-established leisure/retail business based near Keswick. The HR team is small, close-knit and growing, and you'll be the sole HR Advisor - working alongside a Recruitment specialist and a resident Trainer, all reporting into the HR Manager. It's a role with real ownership and visibility from day one, in a business where the people agenda is genuinely taken seriously.

The Role

This is a hands-on generalist HR role with a clear lean towards employee relations. You'll be the go-to person for ER across the business, while contributing to wider people projects, policy development and engagement work.

Employee Relations

• You'll be the first port of call for ER across the business, working directly with line managers to handle issues fairly, consistently and at pace.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all ER matters, providing proactive advice to managers and staff.
• Support managers in investigating grievances, disciplinaries and performance issues, ensuring fair and timely outcomes.
• Coach and guide managers on complex cases, including conflict resolution and performance management.
• Continuously review and improve ER policies and procedures in line with employment law and best practice.
• Promote a positive workplace culture through clear communication and engagement.

You won't be working in isolation - you'll be part of a tight people function with strong working relationships across the business.

• Work closely with the Recruitment specialist to support a smooth onboarding experience aligned with ER and policy.
• Partner with the Training Advisor to identify development needs around employee conduct, conflict and management capability.
• Provide trusted guidance to department managers on HR best practice and policy interpretation.

You'll keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, with the data, records and reporting needed to inform good decisions.

• Maintain accurate ER case records and prepare reports for management review.
• Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and internal policies.
• Support the development of engagement programmes and initiatives that genuinely land with the workforce.

You'll bring fresh thinking and stay sharp on what's changing in the world of HR.

• Stay close to changes in employment law and industry best practice.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of policies, processes and people projects.
• Support the wider HR team on broader projects and initiatives as the function grows.

What You'll Bring

• CIPD Level 5, or actively working towards it preferred (CIPD study offered for less experienced candidates).
• At least two years' experience in an ER-focused role, ideally within leisure, retail or another fast-paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Confident communication and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a calm, approachable style.

The client is also open to talking with someone slightly earlier in their career who has the right attitude and potential, with the salary reflecting the level of experience so if you don't meet the whole brief (but have some HR Assistant style experience) then don't hesitate to get in touch!

Why You'll Love Working Here

• £34,000 – £38,000 salary, dependent on experience.
• Hybrid working — up to two days from home.
• Mon–Fri, 39-hour working week.
• 31 days' annual leave.
• Free lunches.
• Free onsite Gym & Pool.
• A stunning Lake District location.
• Real development opportunities as the HR team grows.
• CIPD Study support on offer.

Foxgroves Recruitment acts as an employment agency for vacancies on behalf of clients, following fair and inclusive recruitment practices in line with the Equality Act 2010. All appointments are subject to pre-employment screening, including right to work checks, reference checks, and qualification verification. Reasonable adjustments are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.