At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and enhance the employee experience through expert advice.
- Company: Join NPL, a leading national laboratory focused on measurement science and engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive culture, and a commitment to your well-being.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your skills in HR.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment relations and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
About the Role
This is an exciting time to join NPL as the organisation embraces the mission and opportunity to provide the measurement capability that underpins the UK's prosperity and quality of life. NPL's vision is to deliver extraordinary impact from excellent science and engineering as an exemplary national laboratory. This mission reaffirms the pivotal role the organisation plays in supporting the UK's national challenges as well as the needs of industry.
Our close knit, supportive and experienced People Team are looking for two enthusiastic, experienced and customer focussed People Advisers to join them. No two days will be the same from supporting managers to resolve employee relations situations to delivering annual people programmes. Ultimately, you'll support the kind of positive experience that retains the best. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working (minimum two days onsite in Teddington).
Role focus
As a People Adviser, you'll be part of the team that's advising, guiding and coaching managers across the business to help us deliver our vision and mission. As we continue to grow, you'll:
- Be at the forefront in providing expert advice and support to our management population to navigate the full remit of employee relations (ER) cases from start to resolution, including confidently supporting managers to make risk-informed decisions.
- Coach managers in best practice in all aspects of the people management cycle from providing advice on contractual matters, effective communication to address team issues, to motivation and development of high performing teams and supporting wellbeing and welfare.
- Support with development and continuous improvement of our people procedures, using your expertise and knowledge of legislation and proven effective people practice ensuring they are fit for purpose and right for our population.
- Take on a portfolio of projects and initiatives of varying complexity to provide the right tools, data and guidance and improve the employee experience.
In everything you do, we'll expect you to ensure all interactions with our employees are fair, in line with agreed processes and legally compliant across all interactions.
About You
You should have a deep knowledge of, and interest in, all aspects of employment relations, including proven experience in supporting wellbeing and Occupational Health matters end to end. You will use sound judgment to assess risk and case plan accordingly to ensure the right path for the issue at hand. In addition, you will be:
- A great communicator with the ability to listen, break down complexity.
- Comfortable working independently in managing and prioritising a diverse portfolio and delivering results and solutions, knowing how to find a path forward.
- Tech savvy and have confidence with systems and data; experience creating and editing content with MS SharePoint and Power BI or equivalents are a bonus.
- Aligned with our values in your approach to customers, stakeholders, your team and colleagues and the quality of what you'll deliver in your role.
Beyond that, we're looking for someone who'll thrive in an environment like ours. At NPL we learn from and respect each other and work together to do better. And while we're always looking to stretch beyond what we know, we don't make things more complicated when there's no need. If you have experience in a similar role and an objective, customer-focused approach, we want to hear from you.
We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.
About Us
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity. As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome.
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
People Adviser employer: National Physical Laboratory
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where your contributions truly matter. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities to engage in diverse projects, you will thrive in an environment that values innovation and collaboration, all while being part of a prestigious institution located in the scenic town of Teddington.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Adviser
✨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 National Physical Laboratory!
✨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 National Physical Laboratory.
We think you need these skills to ace People Adviser
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 National Physical Laboratory. 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 National Physical Laboratory 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 National Physical Laboratory. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National Physical Laboratory'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 National Physical Laboratory
✨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 National Physical Laboratory.
✨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 National Physical Laboratory 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 National Physical Laboratory and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
