HR Advisor

HR Advisor

Manchester Full-Time 28000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and provide expert HR guidance.
  • Company: Join the UK's highest Ofsted-rated provider for special education and care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 7 weeks holiday, and flexible benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your HR career.
  • Qualifications: CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience in a fast-paced HR environment required.
  • Other info: This role involves travel across the North West and Midlands.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.

Salary; Up to £35,000 dependant on experience

This role is a hybrid with some travel required across our locations in the North West and Midlands, with occasional group wide meetings across our locations in the UK.

Those huge small victories

We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.

For children with complex needs the level of care and education we provide must go above and beyond. That’s what drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market leading OFSTED ratings.

Get out what you put in

We’re looking for a proactive and experienced HR Advisor to join Witherslack Group and play a vital role in supporting managers across a regional area with employee relations matters. In this fast-paced position, you will provide expert guidance on disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, flexible working, attendance, and capability issues, ensuring managers feel confident and supported in their people decisions. You’ll work closely with senior HR colleagues, Head Teachers, and Registered Managers to deliver effective and innovative HR solutions that align with our evolving business needs and growth plans.

As a trusted advisor, you will manage a high volume of employee relations cases with accuracy and attention to detail, while using HR metrics to influence decision-making and improve organisational performance. Flexibility to travel within your region and occasionally beyond is essential, as you collaborate across locations to embed HR policies and support continuous improvement. If you thrive on variety, enjoy solving complex people challenges, and want to contribute to an organisation dedicated to delivering better outcomes for young people, this role is a great opportunity for you.

Bring your whole-self to work

Here at Witherslack Group, we celebrate everyone’s differences as that’s what makes us the best at what we do. Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. We’ll give you the chance to build an exciting career in a fast-growing organisation, where you’re free to achieve your potential. Here’s what we need from you;

  • Significant experience working as an HR Advisor in a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on employee relations practices and managing a high volume of ER cases.
  • Level 3 CIPD qualification or equivalent, demonstrating solid HR knowledge and professionalism.
  • Proven ability to provide independent advice and make confident decisions, offering practical solutions while anticipating and overcoming challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to build and maintain credible business relationships quickly, influencing and challenging constructively when needed.
  • Highly confidential and capable of handling sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
  • Proactive, well-organized, and able to manage multiple priorities across stakeholders, with flexibility to travel within and beyond the region as required.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the care sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

  • Salary: £28,000 – £35,000 dependant on experience
  • Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with 7 weeks’ holiday (including bank holidays)
  • Flexible benefits package: meaning you can increase/decrease your holiday allowance, pension and life insurance – check out our benefits here
  • Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
  • Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
  • Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities
  • A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Join the UK’s best special education and care provider

Our young people deserve the best possible future and we feel the same about our teams. You deserve to have the career you want, with a purpose-led employer, in an environment that allows you to be yourself .

For a full job description please click here

To view our ex-offenders policy please click here.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost). We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

HR Advisor employer: Witherslack Group

Witherslack Group is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of young people with complex needs. Our supportive work culture celebrates diversity and encourages personal growth, offering generous benefits such as 7 weeks of holiday, flexible working options, and comprehensive wellbeing resources. Join us in a fulfilling HR Advisor role where your contributions will directly enhance our mission of excellence in special education and care across the North West and Midlands.
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Contact Detail:

Witherslack Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Advisor

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific employee relations challenges faced in the education and care sector. Understanding the nuances of these issues will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current HR professionals in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. This can provide you with insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed high volumes of employee relations cases in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your advice led to positive outcomes.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your ability to build relationships quickly by preparing to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability to different environments.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Advisor

Employee Relations Expertise
CIPD Level 3 Qualification or Equivalent
Strong Communication Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Decision-Making Skills
Problem-Solving Abilities
Confidentiality and Discretion
Organisational Skills
Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities
Relationship Building
Flexibility to Travel
Attention to Detail
Proactive Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as an HR Advisor, particularly in employee relations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage high volumes of ER cases and provide practical solutions.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting young people and how your skills align with the values of Witherslack Group. Mention your CIPD qualification and any specific experiences that showcase your proactive approach and communication skills.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as your ability to build credible business relationships. Provide examples of how you've influenced decisions in previous roles to show you can add value to their team.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an HR Advisor role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group

✨Showcase Your ER Expertise

Make sure to highlight your experience in managing employee relations cases. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you provided guidance on disciplinaries, grievances, or performance management, as this will demonstrate your capability in a fast-paced environment.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a few scenarios where your communication skills made a difference in resolving an HR issue.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life HR situations. Think of complex challenges you've faced and how you approached them, focusing on the outcomes and what you learned from those experiences.

✨Emphasise Your Proactive Approach

The role requires a proactive mindset, so be ready to discuss how you've taken initiative in previous positions. Share examples of how you’ve anticipated challenges and implemented solutions before they became issues.

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