HR Advisor

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich seeks an experienced HR Advisor to join their HR Advice Team. You will lead on various employee relations cases and provide expert guidance to managers and employees. This role offers a salary range of £34,434 - £40,777 per annum with hybrid working options available. Ideal candidates will possess strong problem-solving skills and experience in employee relations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing a range of employee relations cases.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Passion for employment law and proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a diverse portfolio of employee relations cases.
• Provide clear confident advice balancing legal compliance.
• Develop and support training for managers.

Skills

Data Analytics

Employee Relations

Succession Planning

Human Resources Management

Conflict Management

Tools

Dayforce

Ceridian

HRIS

Workday

Job description

Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address : Endeavour House Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary : 34434 - 40777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours : 37 hours per week - flexible working options available
• Contract : Permanent

Make a real impact in a team that values your expertise.

Join our experienced and supportive HR Advice Team at Suffolk County Council where your skills in employee relations will help shape a positive working environment across the organisation. As an HR Advisor you will be a trusted partner to managers, employees and trade union colleagues providing expert guidance and hands‑on support across a wide range of complex cases.

What you will be doing

• Lead on a diverse portfolio of employee relations cases including absence, capability, disciplinary and grievance.
• Provide clear confident advice that balances legal compliance, best practice and business needs.
• Coach and empower managers to handle people issues effectively and confidently.
• Develop and support training that builds manager capability and confidence in dealing with HR matters.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR policies and processes ensuring they remain current and effective.

What we are looking for

• Proven experience of managing a range of employee relations cases.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with the ability to assess risk and influence outcomes.
• A collaborative approach to working with managers, HR colleagues and trade union representatives.
• Passion for employment law and a proactive mindset for staying up to date with legislative changes.
• Confidence in coaching others and delivering training.
• Flexibility and adaptability to support the wider HR service and adapt to changing priorities.

Why join us

Its an opportunity to :

• Deepen your expertise in employee relations
• Develop your coaching and training skills
• Influence how managers handle HR challenges
• Be part of a modern flexible council that values collaboration, development and making a difference for Suffolk.

The team

We are a dynamic team where collaboration and mutual support are at our core. We foster an environment of independence and trust, empowering each team member to take ownership of their work while knowing they can always tap into the wealth of experience and guidance from our supportive manager and colleagues. We work in a hybrid way with office days usually on a Tuesday and Thursday.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Carly Patten (she/her) or Daisy Rea (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them at the provided contact details.

How to apply

1. Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
2. Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.
3. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.
   1. Describe a time when you managed a complex employee relations case. What steps did you take to reach a resolution and what was the outcome?
   2. How have you supported managers to develop their own employee relations capabilities? Can you share an example of coaching or training you provided?
   3. Tell us about a time when you had to manage your workload and help others prioritise tasks to meet deadlines during a busy period of casework. How did you ensure quality and timeliness?
4. Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
5. Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
6. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected.
7. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by e‑mail or calling. If you are invited to the next stage of selection you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
8. Closing date: 11.30 pm 12 October 2025.
9. Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
10. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

Required Experience

Unclear Seniority

Key Skills

Data Analytics, Employee Relations, Succession Planning, Human Resources Management, Dayforce, Conflict Management, Ceridian, Benefits Administration, HRIS, Peoplesoft, Human Resources, Workday

Employment Type

Full-Time

Experience

years

Vacancy

1