At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the go-to HR advisor for Southern Water employees, providing support and guidance.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability and service excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong IT skills, excellent communication, and knowledge of HR policies required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Durrington, Worthing (hybrid)
Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 37
Salary: From £36,000 based on skills and experience
About the role:
Working as a member of the people services team, be the first point of contact for Southern Water employees at all levels with the aim of providing HR advice and support in line within organisational policies, procedures and legal requirements.
What you will be responsible for:
- Provide a dedicated HR advisory service in relation to a range of employment and employee relations matters as first point of contact in reference to established HR policies, procedures and best practice, covering the areas of:
- Employment law
- Employee relations
- Staff movements
- Reward and Performance
- Learning and Development
- Recruitment and selection
- Ensure legislation, policy and best practice are followed and HR KPI’s are met
- Confidently respond to incoming telephone and written enquiries, log outcomes, and ensure that all individuals are given a case reference number
- Escalate to the People Services Managers, any enquiries which require deeper investigation/advice in accordance with the PSD Escalation Procedure.
- Monitor and ensure a resolution has been reached after query has been escalated to ensure HR KPI’s are met or exceeded. Provide regular updates to clients regarding outstanding calls
- Ensure people services processes and standard correspondence are fit for purpose, compliant, and in line with Southern Water’s employer brand, liaising with offshore as appropriate
- Analyse and interpret trends in work and queries to promote awareness of issues around the business, and recommend business/policy/process improvement opportunities
- Arrange and co-ordinate administrative processes such as pre-employment checks, confidential health surveillance checks, reference creation, eye care vouchers and other HR schemes
- Ordering, purchasing and processing invoices for goods and services in line with company procedures
- Maintain an up to date knowledge of employment law, best practice and internal policies and procedures
- Coach more junior members of the People Services Team
- Any other duties as required.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Excellent IT skills (office suite) and other HR systems
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Extensive knowledge of HR policies and processes and the ability to work within set parameters
- Understanding of governance and compliance policies, including Data Protection principles
- CIPD qualified or working towards qualification
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.
Our Commitment to Diversity: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information: In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‐employment checks, including security vetting.
Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
Interested in the role? We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration. We truly appreciate every application. Please note, that due to the volume of interest, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to all applicants.
Our Benefits:
- Company and performance-related bonus
- Generous pension
- Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
- Health benefits through a Cash Plan
- Two paid community volunteering days a year
- 28 days annual holiday
- Occupational health service
- Retail discount app
- We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options
Everybody Welcome: We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to facilitate your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Need flexibility in your work? Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?
People Advisor employer: Southern Water group
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead and innovate in the water industry. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension and health plans, and a culture that values diverse perspectives, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive workplace in Kent. Join us as we transform water services and contribute to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Advisor
✨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 Southern Water group!
✨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 Southern Water group.
We think you need these skills to ace People Advisor
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 Southern Water group. 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 Southern Water group 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 Southern Water group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Southern Water group'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 Southern Water group
✨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 Southern Water group.
✨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 Southern Water group 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 Southern Water group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
