At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and support to schools and education clients.
- Company: Join IRIS, a leading software company trusted by over 100,000 businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work options, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Previous HR experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.
We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.
At IRIS, we're passionate about helping education organisations create great places to work. We're looking for a proactive and customer-focused HR Advisor to join our Education HR Consultancy team, supporting schools, academy trusts and other education sector clients with expert HR advice and guidance. This is an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys variety, building strong client relationships, and delivering high-quality HR support across the full employee lifecycle.
What You'll Be Doing
As an HR Advisor, you'll work closely with our HR Business Partners and clients to provide practical, commercially focused HR solutions. You'll be responsible for delivering a comprehensive HR advisory service, supporting organisations with everything from contracts and policies to employee relations and organisational change. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing expert advice and guidance on a wide range of HR matters.
- Supporting schools, trusts and education clients with recruitment and people-related processes.
- Producing and reviewing employment documentation, contracts and letters.
- Reviewing, updating and developing HR policies and procedures in line with current legislation and best practice.
- Supporting the onboarding of new HR consultancy clients.
- Delivering HR training and workshops both virtually and in person.
- Assisting clients with the effective use of HR technology and software solutions.
- Building trusted relationships with clients and ensuring agreed service levels are met.
- Contributing to process improvement initiatives and identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery through technology and innovation.
- Supporting project work and acting as a trusted HR partner to clients.
- Working collaboratively with internal teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a motivated HR professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and delivering excellent service to clients. You'll bring:
- Previous experience working in an HR role.
- A good understanding of HR principles and people practices.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust with clients and colleagues.
- A proactive and customer-focused approach to problem solving.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.
- Confidence using HR systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- A willingness to learn, develop and keep up to date with changing legislation and best practice.
- CIPD qualification, studying towards CIPD, or equivalent practical HR experience.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to client sites when required.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.
- Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.
- Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.
Ready to Apply?
Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.
What to expect from our hiring process
Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role — more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study — but typically you can expect:
- Application review — we assess your experience and potential
- Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role
- Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review
- Final interview — meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS
We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence. If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.
HR Advisor employer: IRIS
IRIS Software Group is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Great Place to Work® for our dedication to employee well-being, inclusion, and professional development. As a Migration Consultant, you'll be part of a dynamic team driving significant cloud transformation in the education sector, with ample opportunities for career growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact on customer success. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and celebrates diversity, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about education payroll and technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨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 IRIS!
✨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 IRIS.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
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 IRIS. 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 IRIS 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 IRIS. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to IRIS'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 IRIS
✨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 IRIS.
✨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 IRIS 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 IRIS and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
