HR Advisor (x2), Premier Forest, Newport, South Wales

Premier Forest Products is one of the UK’s leading timber importers, processors and distributors. With over 20 sites nationwide and a workforce of 600+ employees, we have experienced significant growth in recent years through acquisitions and continued business expansion. We are now looking to expand our HR team by appointing two part‑time HR Advisors to support our growing and evolving HR function. These roles will play a key part in supporting our branches, providing hands‑on HR advice in a fast‑paced environment, while positively contributing to the continued development of our HR function.

What you will be doing:

This is an ER‑focused role, supporting branches within your designated area and acting as the first point of contact for managers on a wide range of people matters. You’ll work proactively, building strong relationships with managers and supporting them to manage their teams effectively and compliantly. As part of a growing HR team, you’ll also have the opportunity to contribute ideas, recommend improvements and help shape HR processes as the business continues to evolve. Due to our national branch network, travel to branches will be required as and when needed.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Managing and advising on a wide range of employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, investigations, capability and absence management.
• Supporting redundancy processes, TUPE transfers, acquisitions and employee transitions.
• Acting as a first point of contact for employees, responding to HR‑related queries and concerns in a supportive, professional and timely manner.
• Supporting managers with day‑to‑day HR queries, providing clear, practical and legally compliant advice.
• Taking ownership of HR matters for branches within your area, acting as a dedicated HR point of contact.
• Ensuring consistent application of company policies and procedures across sites.
• Working closely with the Group HR Manager to escalate and manage complex or high‑risk employee relations cases where required.
• Positively contributing to the HR team by sharing knowledge, suggesting improvements and supporting the development of HR processes and ways of working.
• Building strong, credible relationships with managers, employees and stakeholders across the business.
• Maintaining accurate employee records and HR documentation.
• Working closely with the wider HR and payroll teams to support business needs.

What we are looking for:

• We’re looking for someone who is confident, collaborative and comfortable operating in a hands‑on, operational HR role, ideally within a multi‑site environment.
• You’ll enjoy working as part of a team, bringing a positive mindset and a willingness to help improve how HR operates across the business.
• Proven experience in an HR Advisor or similar ER‑focused role.
• Strong experience handling disciplinary, grievance and investigation cases, with additional experience supporting on redundancy processes, TUPE transfers, acquisitions and employee transitions.
• Experience working in manufacturing, timber, construction, logistics or a similar operational environment.
• CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards).
• Experience using HR systems, ideally Staffology HR / IRIS (highly desirable).
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused approach with the confidence to recommend improvements.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trust with managers.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities across different sites.
• A full UK driving licence is essential, as the role requires travel to sites, some of which are not accessible via public transport.

What we can offer:

• 25 hours per week, worked over 5 days (Monday to Friday). We have some flexibility around how these hours are worked across these days.
• Hybrid working: 3 days office‑based, 2 days working from home.
• Access to a leading Health & Wellbeing programme.
• Christmas shutdown.
• Onsite free parking.
• Other benefits, including salary will be discussed further during the application and interview process.

Other information:

There will be two stages of interview for this role: the first will be held via Microsoft Teams, followed by a second‑stage, in‑person interview at our Head Office in Newport. The first‑stage interviews are expected to take place next week. Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role at this time. Recruitment agencies are kindly requested not to make speculative approaches for this role. If you think this role would suit you then click below to submit your CV.