HR Advisor

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich seeks an experienced HR Advisor to manage employee relations cases and support managers. This permanent role offers a salary of £34,434 - £40,777 and includes flexible and hybrid working options. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in employee relations, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for employment law. Join a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits

Performance-related annual pay progression

Training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing a range of employee relations cases.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Collaborative approach to working with managers and HR colleagues.
• Passion for employment law and proactive mindset.
• Confidence in coaching others and delivering training.

Responsibilities

• Lead on a diverse portfolio of employee relations cases.
• Provide clear, confident advice that balances compliance and business needs.
• Coach and empower managers in effective handling of HR issues.
• Contribute to the improvement of HR policies and processes.

Skills

Employee relations management

Problem-solving

Coaching

Legal compliance knowledge

Adaptability

Job description

Overview

Suffolk County Council
Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
Salary: £34,434 - £40,777 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're 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.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word).
If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Why join us?

It's 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:

Carly 01473 260249 or: [e-mail]

Daisy 01473 260063 or: [e-mail]

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

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.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing: [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. 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.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 12 October 2025.

Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).