At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations and enhance employee experience in a purpose-driven organisation.
- Company: Join the Soil Association, a leading charity focused on health, environment, and animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and discounts on organic produce.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a passion for sustainability and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive and collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Broad HR experience and strong communication skills; CIPD Level 5 is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36500 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol with hybrid working (40% office based)
Salary: £36,500 to £38,000 per annum FTE
Type: Part time (28 hours per week, 0.8 FTE) or Full-time (35 hours per week) Mon‑Fri
Contract: Permanent
About Our Organisation
The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. We campaign for change, support farming innovation, serve healthy food in communities, grow the organic market, and protect forests.
About the Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and collaborative team, develop your career, and contribute to a purpose‑driven organisation working to transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world. In this newly created People Advisor role, you will support approximately 180 colleagues across a diverse range of specialist teams within Soil Association Charity, Land Trust and Exchange. Working closely with managers and colleagues, you will play a key role in delivering a proactive, people‑centred HR service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Acting as a trusted advisor, providing day‑to‑day operational HR guidance and support to managers and colleagues
- Supporting the full employee lifecycle, ensuring people processes are efficient, compliant and aligned with our values of being grounded, inclusive and nourishing
- Advising and coaching managers on employee relations matters, including absence, performance and wellbeing
- Contributing to HR projects and initiatives that enhance employee experience, organisational effectiveness and culture
- Helping to improve HR processes, systems and ways of working, using people data and insights to support decision‑making and continuous improvement
- Working collaboratively with Finance, IT and the wider People team to ensure our practices support colleagues and the delivery of organisational goals
About You:
- Broad HR generalist experience across the full employee life cycle
- Experience of managing and advising on a broad range of employee relations cases
- Well‑developed coaching skills, with the ability to build managers’ confidence and capability by providing supportive, practical guidance on people matters
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application
- Excellent communications and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate at all levels
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Good working knowledge of HR systems and Microsoft Office applications
A CIPD Level 5 qualification is desirable; however, we welcome applications from candidates who have developed equivalent knowledge and expertise through relevant experience. Experience working in either the charity or commercial sectors is valuable and experience across both sectors would be advantageous.
Our Benefits:
- 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
- Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
- Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
- Family friendly policies and flexible working
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce
Equal Opportunity:
We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work.
People Advisor in Bristol employer: Soil Association
The Soil Association is an exceptional employer located in Bristol, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to meaningful environmental and health initiatives. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive culture, and generous benefits including increased holiday entitlement and ethical pension options, this role as a People Advisor allows you to make a real impact within a passionate team dedicated to transforming the way we eat and care for our planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor in Bristol
✨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 Soil Association!
✨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 Soil Association.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor in Bristol
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 Soil Association. 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 Soil Association 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 Soil Association. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Soil Association'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 Soil Association
✨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 Soil Association.
✨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 Soil Association 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 Soil Association and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
