At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations and provide expert advice to college leaders.
- Company: Join a values-driven organisation that prioritises people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and a positive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape an exceptional colleague experience in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
£40,408. 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 4 days additional time off during the winter closure period, enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme, and access to a wide range of staff benefits and discount schemes.
About the role
We are looking for a senior member of the People Services team to provide expert HR advice and operational leadership. The Lead People Adviser will partner with college leaders to deliver high‑quality, pragmatic HR support and will oversee day‑to‑day delivery of People Services, People Administration, HR processes, systems, and customer‑focussed service delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading complex employee relations activity
- Strengthening management capability
- Supporting organisational change
- Ensuring a positive and compliant colleague experience across the employee life cycle
What you’ll be doing:
- Act as a trusted adviser to leaders on complex employee relations matters
- Lead and manage sensitive, high‑risk casework with confidence and judgement
- Line‑manage and develop the People Administration team to deliver efficient, high‑quality service
- Oversee HR operations, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely processes across the employee life cycle
- Support organisational change initiatives, including restructures and workforce planning
- Use workforce data and insight to identify trends and drive continuous improvement
- Champion a positive, inclusive and people‑centred culture across the College
- Contribute to policy development, projects and the delivery of the People Strategy
What we’re looking for:
- You should be a credible and proactive HR professional with strong operational leadership and expert advisory capability.
- Significant experience in a senior HR advisory or business partnering role
- Proven expertise in managing complex employee relations casework
- Experience leading or supervising HR teams and service delivery
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships
- A strategic mindset with the ability to use data and insight to inform decisions
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent experience) is essential
Why join us?
- Be part of a growing, values‑driven organisation where people truly matter
- Play a key role in shaping an exceptional colleague experience
- Join a supportive, collaborative and forward‑thinking People Services team
- Access ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- Benefit from a competitive package, including generous annual leave and pension
Additional information:
As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we value the skills and experience of veterans, reservists and military families. Safeguarding is a core value; the successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide proof of right to work in the UK.
Lead People Adviser (HR) employer: Only FE
Join a dynamic and values-driven organisation that prioritises the well-being of its employees, offering a competitive salary and an impressive benefits package including generous annual leave and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. As a Lead People Adviser, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment, with ample opportunities for professional development and career progression while playing a pivotal role in enhancing the colleague experience across the College.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead People Adviser (HR)
✨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 Only FE!
✨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 Only FE.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead People Adviser (HR)
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 Only FE. 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 Only FE 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 Only FE. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Only FE'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 Only FE
✨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 Only FE.
✨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 Only FE 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 Only FE and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
