Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and recruitment activities in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join 2 Sisters, the UK's largest food manufacturer with over 13,500 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 35 days annual leave, health support, and a company pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a market leader with opportunities for career growth and skill development.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR and employee relations is essential; quick problem-solving skills are a must.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, in a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
HR Advisor – Carlisle
Location: Cavaghan & Gray, Carlisle
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Join a business that feeds the nation – and supports its people by shaping the future of food – and the people behind it.
About 2 Sisters Food Group
At 2 Sisters Food Group, we’re one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers, with a £3 billion turnover and 13,500 passionate colleagues. Our Cavaghan & Gray site in Carlisle is a flagship location, producing over 150 premium product lines for M&S and delivering 115 million units annually.
Carlisle has a proud history of innovation too. In the 1970s, our Carlisle site helped spark the ready meal revolution, launching the first-ever prepared dishes for M&S – including classics like cauliflower cheese, cottage pie and Cumberland pie. Today, we continue that legacy by driving quality, innovation and change, offering employees the chance to be part of something with real heritage and real ambition.
With a proud heritage of innovation and a culture built on collaboration, ambition and care, we’re looking for an HR Advisor who thrives in a fast‑paced, people‑first environment where your HR expertise can make a real difference.
About the Role
As HR Advisor, you’ll support the HR Business Partners and be a key trusted partner to our operational teams, supporting the full employee lifecycle from onboarding through to employees exiting the business and helping to shape a positive, inclusive and high‑performing culture. The role combines day‑to‑day HR advisory and administration duties where you will work closely with managers and colleagues to provide guidance on HR policies, employee relations to include investigations, consultations, disciplinaries, TUPE process and providing HR advice on performance, learning and development, absence and engagement initiatives in a fast‑paced values‑driven environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Providing proactive expert HR Advisory support across the site, ensuring consistency and fairness in all people matters.
- Advising on employee relations issues including disciplinary, grievance and absence management.
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, performance and development initiatives.
- Championing wellbeing, diversity and engagement across the workforce.
- Collaborating with the wider HR team to drive continuous improvement and compliance.
- Ensure fair, consistent application of policies and employment law.
- Partner with managers to drive a positive workplace culture.
Key Responsibilities with Digital skills
- Trusted HR Advisor: Provide expert guidance to line managers on employee relations, absence and performance management.
Microsoft Teams – Advanced: Used daily for virtual coaching, case discussions and quick resolution of queries.
SharePoint – Intermediate: Maintain and share up‑to‑date HR policies, templates and case documentation securely across teams. - Data‑Driven Insight: Analyse and present people data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
Excel – Advanced: Create pivot tables, dashboards and trackers for absence, ER cases and KPIs.
Power BI – Intermediate: Build visual reports to present trends and insights to senior stakeholders, supporting strategic decisions. - Transformation & Change: Support organisational change initiatives including restructures, redundancies and ill‑health capability cases.
Jotform – Intermediate: Design and manage digital consultation forms and feedback surveys to streamline change processes.
SharePoint – Intermediate: Store and manage sensitive documentation securely during change programmes. - Collaboration & Escalation: Work closely with Strategic HR Business Partners to elevate complex cases and support delivery of people plans.
Microsoft Teams – Advanced: Facilitate cross‑functional meetings and share updates in real time.
SharePoint – Intermediate: Collaborate on shared HR plans and track progress on initiatives. - Process Improvement – Identify and implement enhancements to HR processes and ways of working.
Jotform – Intermediate: Automate routine HR requests (e.g. return‑to‑work forms, feedback collection).
Excel – Advanced: Analyse process efficiency and model improvements.
SharePoint – Intermediate: Document and version‑control updated workflows and SOPs.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous HR advisory experience in a fast‑paced HR role, ideally within manufacturing or FMCG or similar fast‑paced settings.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Excellent communication, coaching, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
- A pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach with a passion for people.
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards) is desirable.
- We’re looking for an HR Advisor who can hit the ground running, quickly understand the site, and bring experience, confidence and initiative. Alongside daily responsibilities, you’ll support projects, analyse data and help turn ideas into action.
- This is an exciting time to join as we modernise our systems and ways of working. You’ll have the chance to take ownership, contribute to change and make a real impact on both our people, business and identify and implement opportunities to enhance HR processes and ways of working within your business area.
Why Join Us?
- Work for one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers with a proud legacy – from launching the UK’s first ready meals to driving modern innovation.
- Be part of a team that values integrity, respect and continuous improvement.
- Work in a collaborative, values‑driven environment where your voice matters.
- Enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for real career development and a benefits package that includes:
- Up to 35 days Annual Leave including Bank Holidays
- Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid, offering confidential support services 365 days a year
- Company Pension Scheme
- Boparan Restaurant Group Discount
- Cycle 2 Work Scheme
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HR Advisor employer: Manpower 2Sisters
Contact Detail:
Manpower 2Sisters Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific employee relations challenges faced in the food manufacturing sector. Understanding the nuances of absence management and disciplinary procedures will help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former HR professionals in the food industry. They can provide insights into the company culture at 2 Sisters and share tips on how to effectively navigate the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed employee relations cases. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research 2 Sisters Food Group's recent initiatives and projects. Being knowledgeable about their operations and values will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and help you connect with the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant HR experience, particularly in employee relations and case management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the HR Advisor role. Explain how your previous experiences align with their needs, especially your expertise in managing employee relations and supporting HR processes.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as communication, relationship-building, and legal compliance in HR practices. These are crucial for the role and will show you understand the demands of the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manpower 2Sisters
✨Know Your Employee Relations Basics
Since the role focuses heavily on employee relations, brush up on your knowledge of case management, disciplinary procedures, and absence management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding and handling of these situations.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The job requires agility and quick problem-solving in a high-pressure environment. Think of scenarios where you successfully resolved conflicts or challenges in HR. Highlight your approach and the outcomes to show how you can add value to their team.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
As the role involves developing relationships at all levels, practice building rapport during the interview. Engage with your interviewers, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to their questions. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to influence others.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the emphasis on legal compliance in HR processes, be ready to answer questions related to employment law and best practices. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your previous roles.
