At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers and employees with HR advice throughout the employee life cycle.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Up to £35,000 salary, bonus, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work with a community of over 400 colleagues in a busy, varied role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's work lives while growing your HR career.
- Qualifications: Experience in generalist HR roles and knowledge of employment law.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
What does great HR mean to you? Is it about striking the right balance between supporting your business and challenging it? Keeping things simple and human, and striving to make a difference in all aspects of working life? If so, this could be the opportunity for you.
We are looking for an HR Advisor to join our team in Frating, Colchester. This role is offered as a 12 month fixed term contract, and will support our Distribution and Finance Services Division. Reporting to the HR Business Partner, you'll work with managers and employees across Distribution & Finance Services, getting to know the business areas in depth so that you can offer thoughtful, practical HR advice. You'll also support managers to build their confidence in handling people matters and applying HR policies and practices effectively.
This is a busy and varied role supporting the full employee life cycle. Acting as a first point of contact for managers, you'll get stuck into everything from talent management, reward and employee relations through to coaching and guiding our managers and employees through topics such as wellness.
You'll play a key role at each stage of someone's time with us – from welcoming them on their first day, partnering with the Learning & Development team to support people to learn and grow, helping people plan their family leave, and supporting career progression. You'll play an important role throughout the employee journey, from welcoming new starters through onboarding to guiding them through family leave and helping managers to support career progression.
In this role, you'll support a community of over 400 colleagues, so we're looking for an HR Advisor who enjoys working in a busy, varied environment. You'll bring a proactive approach, strong attention to detail and the confidence to balance day to day support with the needs of the wider business.
What you'll bring:
- Experience of working in a generalist HR role, including working directly with managers.
- Exposure to a range of HR matters, such as disciplinaries, grievance, absence management, parental leave and other sensitive employee relations areas.
- Sound knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience of working with unions.
- Familiarity with HRIS.
- Ability to build strong working relationships across different business areas.
- A proactive approach and motivation to continue developing in your HR career.
- Ability to organise your work effectively and manage competing priorities.
Preferred criteria:
If you are CIPD qualified this would be a plus.
Application instructions:
Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
Up to £35,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits. While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you'll work from our Frating office 3 days per week, with occasional travel to our London office (Embassy Gardens).
HR Advisor (12m FTC) in Colchester employer: Penguin Random House UK
Join a dynamic team as an HR Advisor in Frating, Colchester, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on over 400 colleagues while enjoying a flexible working environment that balances office collaboration with remote work. Our commitment to your professional journey is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package and the chance to engage in diverse HR challenges across the employee life cycle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor (12m FTC) in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at networking events. Ask them about their experiences and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Think about how your own values align with theirs, and be ready to share examples that showcase your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR scenarios you might face in the role. This could include handling employee relations issues or advising managers. Being able to demonstrate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor (12m FTC) in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your CV and cover letter, let your personality shine through! We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Use a friendly tone and share your passion for HR – it’ll help us connect with you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your experience in generalist HR and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the HR Advisor role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter. Plus, it ensures you’re considered for the role in a timely manner. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Understand the HR Landscape
Before your interview, take some time to research the company’s HR practices and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to employee relations, talent management, and wellness initiatives. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've successfully handled HR matters like disciplinaries or absence management. Be ready to share these examples during the interview to demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
Employers love candidates who take initiative. Prepare to discuss how you've proactively supported managers in previous roles, whether through coaching or implementing HR policies. Highlighting this will show that you can balance day-to-day support with broader business needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the company culture. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to employee development or how they handle work-life balance.
