HR Advisor in Essex

Are you an experienced CIPD qualified HR Advisor looking for a varied, hands‑on role where no two days are the same? Our client, a well‑established business based in Witham, is looking to appoint an HR Advisor to join their team. This role is full time or our client would consider applications from those looking to work 4 days a week.

This HR Advisor role is a fantastic opportunity for a generalist HR professional who also enjoys the practical side of running an office. You will provide pragmatic HR advice across the business, manage the end‑to‑end recruitment process, and take full ownership of facilities management, health & safety, and the day‑to‑day running of the head office.

What the HR Advisor Role Involves

• Generalist HR: Acting as the first point of contact for day‑to‑day employee queries, offering clear and pragmatic advice to managers and store teams. Managing onboarding, including offer letters, contracts, and Right to Work checks. Maintaining HR systems (Fusion and Bright HR) and using Google Workspace to keep digital records and trackers up to date. Managing offboarding, exit interviews, and reference requests. Coordinating inductions and office logistics for new starters. Tracking probation periods and issuing outcome letters. Producing FTC, secondment, and contract variation letters. Handling maternity, paternity, and sickness absence administration. Supporting cross‑border and European employee administration where required. Raising purchase orders and managing HR supplier administration.
• Employee Relations: Providing first‑line advice to line managers on employee relations, policy, and statutory procedures. Coordinating disciplinary, grievance, capability, and performance processes in line with the Acas Code of Practice. Note‑taking and supporting formal investigations and hearings. Supporting long and short‑term absence management and Performance Improvement Plans.
• Office & Facilities Management: Carrying out weekly fire alarm tests, emergency lighting checks, and water temperature checks. Acting as the main point of contact for the landlord and overseeing office supplies and maintenance. Maintaining health & safety compliance, including the annual audit and Fire Warden / First Aider training.
• Payroll: Running the weekly retail payroll and uploading pension contribution files. Reviewing new starter data and maintaining monthly audit reports.
• Recruitment: Managing allocated vacancies end‑to‑end, including direct sourcing via LinkedIn and Indeed. Arranging interviews and delivering candidate feedback.
• Training & Development: Sourcing and booking training courses and managing related administration.

What We're Looking For In Our HR Advisor and Office Manager

• CIPD Level 5 preferred (CIPD Level 3 with strong operational experience also considered).
• Solid working knowledge of UK employment law, the Acas Code of Practice, Right to Work rules, and UK GDPR.
• Familiarity with European HR practices or international workforce administration is desirable but not essential.
• Proven HR Advisor‑level experience, ideally with exposure to facilities or site management in a retail or multi‑site environment.
• Confident using Google Workspace, MS Office, and HRIS/ATS systems such as Bright HR, Fusion, or Greenhouse.
• A clear, empathetic communicator who can handle confidential matters with discretion.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, and a contributory pension scheme.
• Employee discounts across our brand.
• A dynamic, creative, and collaborative international working environment.

If you are an HR Advisor looking for a role that combines HR generalist work, employee relations, payroll, and office management, we would love to hear from you. Please note, all applications are treated in confidence.