Human Resources Advisor in Peterborough

We are looking for an experienced HR Advisor to join the HR team at HMP Peterborough on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a site-based role providing practical and proactive HR support to managers and employees across a busy operational environment. Working closely with the HR Business Partner and wider HR teams, you will provide advice and support across employee relations, absence management and recruitment, ensuring cases and processes are handled fairly, consistently and in line with Sodexo policies and employment legislation.

You will also play an important role in coaching and supporting managers to build their confidence in people management and contribute to a positive employee relations culture. HMP Peterborough is the UK's first purpose-built prison to house both men and women on the same site. With high levels of physical security, it provides needs-led personal development services tailored to both populations.

As a resettlement-focused establishment, it offers a wide range of educational, vocational and behavioural programmes, alongside workshops, accredited training and employment opportunities that build practical skills for release. The site also includes dedicated healthcare, family services and faith facilities to support overall well-being.

Sodexo has a culture built on three hallmarks: Be Positive, Be Courageous and Be the Difference. We encourage people to be positive by creating hope and respect in every interaction, to be courageous by safely challenging behaviours that don't support a positive environment, and to be the difference by taking actions that improve outcomes for those we support. By living these hallmarks each day, you help build routines, rituals and behaviours that show what good looks like. You recognise and encourage the right actions, and you lead with intention - knowing every moment of connection counts.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide practical HR advice and support to line managers on employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, investigation, suspension and absence cases.
• Proactively manage absence cases, including long-term sickness, monitoring trends and KPIs and identifying opportunities for preventative action.
• Coordinate local recruitment activity, working closely with hiring managers and Talent Acquisition from vacancy approval through to interview, appointment and induction.
• Coach and support managers to develop effective people-management skills and ensure HR policies, processes and employment legislation are applied consistently.
• Build strong working relationships across the wider HR function, including People Services, Labour Relations, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, Reward and other key stakeholders.
• Support the HR Business Partner with HR reporting, people metrics, continuous improvement projects and key People Plan activities, deputising on agreed topics when required.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has proven experience working within an HR function, with practical experience managing employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, appeals and absence management.
• Has up-to-date knowledge of UK employment legislation, including GDPR, and understands the importance of confidentiality, discretion and fair process.
• Is confident advising, coaching and challenging line managers, with excellent stakeholder-management and relationship-building skills.
• Has strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and multiple cases in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Is an excellent communicator with strong attention to detail, problem-solving and analytical skills, and is confident using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Is professional, resilient, flexible and confident in their approach, with CIPD qualification or a genuine ambition to work towards one; experience of SAP HR would be advantageous.

Package Description:

£32,000 - £38,000 per annum depending on experience. Fixed Term 12 months contract, Monday - Friday.

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

About The Company:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.

We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.