HR Advisor

Foot Anstey; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Private healthcare

Flexible working

Job summary

Foot Anstey is seeking an experienced HR Advisor to join our Plymouth team. You’ll support the delivery of the HR strategy, provide high‑quality advice to managers, and help create a positive, high‑performing people function across the firm.

In this fast‑paced professional services environment you’ll oversee employee relations, support process improvements, ensure compliance with UK employment law, and work with senior partners to shape people initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven HR/People Advisor experience in a professional services environment.
• CIPD Level 5 or degree in Human Resources Management or related field.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Proficiency in HR management systems.
• Ability to manage employee relations and provide advisory support.
• Analytical, data-driven, and able to influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the HR strategy with high-quality advisor support.
• Oversee employee relations, including conflict resolution and disciplinary procedures.
• Build relationships with managers and leaders as a trusted advisor.
• Drive core people processes such as parental leave, probation and performance reviews.
• Coach and influence managers on people-related issues.
• Collaborate with HR colleagues to ensure clear communications and consistency.
• Handle employee queries via phone, email, and in person.
• Monitor absence, arrange meetings, and liaise with OH when needed.
• Produce reports from the HRMIS and other data sources.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and policies.

Skills

HR advisory experience

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

CIPD Level 5 or degree in HR management

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Job description

Job Title: HR Advisor Are you ready to step into an HR Advisor role where you’ll add value from day one and help drive a progressive, high-performing people function in a growing national law firm? We’re one of the UK’s most forward-thinking law firms, built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and ambition. Join us, and let’s shape the future together. Being refreshingly human starts with how we hire. We believe a diverse mix of perspectives makes us stronger – not just as a business, but in creating a culture where we all feel we truly belong and can thrive. That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers and creating fair opportunities for everyone. * We are in a period of exclusive direct sourcing for this role and are not currently accepting applications from recruitment agencies.

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The role in 60 seconds

• Role: HR Advisor (People Advisor)
• Team: Human Resources
• Location: Plymouth
• Working Pattern: Full time
• Why this role matters: This pivotal role sits at the heart of our People function, helping to create a positive, high-performing culture while ensuring our people processes enable the firm to achieve its strategic ambitions.

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What you’ll do

You’ll be stepping into a role with real scope – and real support. A role where we’ll invest in your development. You’ll contribute to the delivery of our HR strategy, providing high-quality service and professional advice to our employees. You’ll play a crucial part in managing employee relations, supporting process improvements, and contributing to various HR projects.

In this role, you’ll:

• Support HR in the provision of a comprehensive and effective HR service for the firm.
• Oversee employee relations, including complex conflict resolution and disciplinary/grievance procedures.
• Demonstrate strong professional credibility and build on-going relationships as a trusted advisor with managers and leaders.
• Drive core people processes such as ownership of parental leave, probation and performance reviews.
• Coach, challenge and influence managers, providing advice and recommendations on all people related issues.
• Work closely with the People and Reward Manager and HR Business Partners to ensure clear communication, alignment and consistency of approach.
• Deal with first and second level queries from employees regarding general HR and benefits by phone, email and in person.
• Absence monitoring and contact and liaison with employees on sick leave including arranging meetings and OH referrals.
• Produce reports and management information from the HR Management System and other sources.
• Prepare correspondence on general HR matters such as exit interviews, return to work meetings, and performance meetings.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of HR processes and procedures.

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What we’re looking for

We’re seeking an experienced HR professional – someone who thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment and brings:

• Proven experience of HR/People Advisor level work ideally within a professional services environment.
• CIPD level 5/degree in Human Resources Management or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practices.
• A solution-focused approach to conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in HR management systems.
• A proactive approach to employee engagement and wellbeing.
• Proven ability to plan and implement projects/initiatives.
• Analytical skills: to quickly evaluate data/situations and reach conclusions.
• Excellent relationship building and influencing skills.
• Ability to work with appropriate attention to detail and high standards, whilst still working at pace.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, professional services or legal organisation would be highly desirable.
• And you’ll share our passion for innovation, collaboration, and achieving great things together.

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What if I don’t tick every box?

We’re not box tickers. We appreciate the need for everyone to find a role that challenges them and gives them room for growth. If you bring transferable skills and a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you. If this role excites you and you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

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Join a seriously ambitious firm

At Foot Anstey, we’re committed to making a difference for our people, our clients, and society. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• An ambitious growth strategy that opens up opportunities for our people to make their mark.
• A client base that spans household names, thriving startups, and ambitious enterprises.
• A culture built on our values of being refreshingly human, entrepreneurial, inclusive and collaborative.
• A strong focus on being a responsible business with a commitment to sustainability and giving back to our communities.
• Comprehensive professional development and training – whatever your role and level we have training that will support you to achieve your goals.

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Progressive benefits tailored to you

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing, including:

• Competitive salary and performance-linked bonus.
• Enhanced parental leave policies.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing initiatives (e.g., mental health support, gym memberships).
• An open, flexible working environment.
• Find out more about our benefits and work environment here

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