HR Advisor

Harrison Drury Solicitors; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus scheme

Health benefits

Holiday entitlement increases

Volunteer time off

Will drafting

Staff social events

Job summary

Harrison Drury Solicitors is seeking an experienced HR Advisor to provide high-quality guidance to managers and staff, shaping HR policies and ensuring regulatory compliance. The role sits in a busy HR team and offers opportunities to lead projects and drive continuous improvement across the firm.

The successful candidate will bring CIPD Level 5 or higher, 5+ years of HR experience, and a strong understanding of employment law. Hybrid working and a supportive environment are offered.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or above and strong HR knowledge.
• Experience advising managers on a range of people matters.
• Experience implementing changes to employment legislation.
• Experience managing HR projects.

Responsibilities

• Policy development — drafting and implementing HR policies, procedures, frameworks and forms.
• Manager advisory support — acting as an escalation point for people-related queries.
• Employment law monitoring — translating legislative changes into practical guidance and training.
• Trainee & apprenticeship oversight — ensuring compliance with standards and training relationships.
• HR projects — leading continuous improvement initiatives and HRIS troubleshooting.
• HR data & reporting — producing headcount, turnover, absence and engagement data.
• Employee engagement — supporting development and retention initiatives.

Skills

CIPD level 5+

5+ years HR experience

Advising managers on people matters

Employment legislation updates

HR projects management

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Job description

Harrison Drury is a market‑leading firm of solicitors with offices across Lancashire, Cumbria and Staffordshire. We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For, for the third year running, placing 40th in the Top 100 Best Mid‑Sized Companies and 10th in the Best Companies to Work for in the Law Sector. These achievements reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people‑focused workplace where our colleagues can thrive.

With over 125 years of history, we’re a well‑established firm, but we’re also in an exciting growth phase, with the energy and ambition of a modern, fast‑developing business. It’s a fantastic time to join us.

About The Role

We’re looking for an experienced HR Advisor to provide high‑quality advice and guidance to managers and employees, ensuring consistent people practices across the firm. You’ll play a key role in maintaining and developing HR policies, frameworks and processes, supporting engagement and development throughout the employee lifecycle, and ensuring compliance with employment legislation and regulatory requirements.

This varied, hands‑on role sits within a busy HR team and offers the opportunity to lead projects, shape best practice, and support continuous improvement across the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy development — drafting and implementing HR policies, procedures, frameworks and forms
• Manager advisory support — acting as an escalation point for people‑related queries
• Employment law monitoring — translating legislative and regulatory changes into practical guidance and training
• Trainee & apprenticeship oversight — ensuring compliance with standards and maintaining relationships with training providers
• HR projects — leading continuous improvement initiatives and supporting HRIS troubleshooting
• HR data & reporting — producing and analysing headcount, turnover, absence, exit and engagement data
• Employee engagement — supporting development and retention initiatives using Best Companies insights
• Regulatory compliance
• HR administration — supporting wider HR service delivery where required
• Supervision of entry‑level team members

Key Deliverables

• Compliant, up‑to‑date and effectively implemented HR policies and processes
• Timely and effective HR advice and support
• Successful delivery of HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Accurate HR systems and information
• Effective management of trainee and apprenticeship processes
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Effective implementation of legislative changes

Essential Experience

• CIPD Level 5 or above
• 5+ years’ experience as an HR professional
• Experience advising managers on a range of people matters
• Experience implementing changes to employment legislation
• Experience managing HR projects

Desirable Experience

• Regulatory environment
• Professional services
• Trainee/apprenticeship programmes

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

• Strong Microsoft Word/Outlook/Excel skills
• Awareness of HR best practice and employment law
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Proactive, solutions‑focused approach
• Strong planning and organisation
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Approachable, flexible and discreet
• Effective problem‑solving

Benefits

At Harrison Drury, we believe in rewarding our people and supporting their wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Hybrid working policy
• Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review
• Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Increasing holiday entitlement with length of service
• Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)
• Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence
• Free individual or mirror Wills
• Employee referral scheme
• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
• Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an award‑winning, people‑focused firm.
• Work alongside recognised experts in the field.
• Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in development and wellbeing.
• Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing team.

Harrison Drury is a people business with relationships at its heart. We deliver legal services as trusted legal partners to businesses, individuals and families across Lancashire, Cumbria, Manchester, Merseyside and Staffordshire.