At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a busy HR team by managing queries and providing guidance on HR matters.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail organisation undergoing transformation with a supportive HR culture.
- Benefits: Flexible home-based work, competitive pay, and exposure to employee relations.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, supportive team focused on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of an evolving HR function and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and confidence in handling challenging conversations.
Your new role
You will be joining a busy and supportive HR team within the retail arm of a wider organisation, during a period of increased workload and ongoing transformation. Due to a number of long-term absences within the team, there is currently a backlog of operational HR activity. Reporting into an HR Business Partner and working closely with wider HR colleagues, you will play a key role in providing effective HR support across a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Key responsibilities
- Managing a central HR mailbox, triaging incoming queries and either resolving, delegating or escalating as appropriate
- Providing support on low-level ER cases
- Providing guidance to managers on a range of HR matters
- Confidently handling more complex or sensitive conversations and appropriately challenging stakeholders where required
- Identifying which cases require escalation
- Supporting the wider HR function to ensure operational continuity
What you'll need to succeed
- Confidence in managing challenging conversations with managers and providing constructive pushback where necessary
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment
- Strong judgement and ability to prioritise and escalate appropriately
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- A proactive and resilient approach
- Experience in a generalist role
Desirable: Experience within the public sector or charity sector
What you'll get in return
- Flexible, predominantly home-based working (with monthly team meetings)
- £20-£25 per hour
- Opportunity to gain deeper exposure to employee relations within a supportive structure
- Involvement in an evolving HR function undergoing positive change and transformation
- A collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement and development
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
HR Advisor in Oxford employer: Hays HR
Join a dynamic and supportive HR team within a thriving retail organisation, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact during a period of transformation. Enjoy flexible, predominantly home-based working arrangements, alongside a collaborative culture that prioritises continuous improvement and employee development. With a focus on operational continuity and exposure to employee relations, this role offers a rewarding environment for those looking to grow their HR career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor in Oxford
✨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 Hays HR!
✨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 Hays HR.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor in Oxford
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 Hays HR. 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 Hays HR 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 Hays HR. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays HR'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 Hays HR
✨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 Hays HR.
✨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 Hays HR 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 Hays HR and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
