HR Advisor

Witherslack Group; Sandbach; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of special education in the UK is seeking an experienced HR Advisor. The role involves managing employee relations cases, supporting managers, and ensuring effective HR solutions. Candidates should have significant ER management experience and a CIPD Level 3 qualification. This hybrid position includes travel and offers a competitive salary with a generous benefits package, including 7 weeks holiday.

Benefits

7 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays

Flexible benefits package

Medical cover for optical, dental, and more

Refer-a-friend scheme with a £1,000 bonus

Qualifications

• Significant experience as an HR Advisor in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide independent advice and make confident decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support managers with employee relations matters.
• Manage a high volume of employee relations cases.
• Work closely with senior HR colleagues and managers.

Skills

Employee relations management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

CIPD Level 3 qualification

Problem-solving

Education

CIPD Level 3 qualification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Salary: Up to £35,000 depending on experience

Role Overview

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

About Us

We are the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams are fulfilled by making positive changes in our young people’s lives, celebrating every small victory. We provide exceptional care and education for children with complex needs, supported by high staff-to-child ratios and in-house clinical teams, earning us a reputation for excellence and top OFSTED ratings.

What You Will Do

We are seeking a proactive and experienced HR Advisor to support managers across a regional area with employee relations matters. You will provide guidance on disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, flexible working, attendance, and capability issues, ensuring managers feel confident in their people decisions. You will work closely with senior HR colleagues, Head Teachers, and Registered Managers to deliver effective HR solutions aligned with our business needs and growth plans.

You will manage a high volume of employee relations cases with accuracy and attention to detail, using HR metrics to influence decision-making and improve organizational performance. Flexibility to travel within your region and occasionally beyond is essential for embedding HR policies and supporting continuous improvement. If you enjoy solving complex people challenges and contributing to an organization dedicated to better outcomes for young people, this role offers a great opportunity.

Our Culture and Values

At Witherslack Group, we celebrate diversity as it makes us the best at what we do. Our workforce reflects the backgrounds and needs of our young people, enabling us to engage, encourage, and inspire them to be themselves. We offer exciting career opportunities in a fast-growing organization where you can achieve your potential. Here’s what we need from you:

• Significant experience as an HR Advisor in a fast-paced environment, with a focus on employee relations and managing high volumes of ER cases.
• Level 3 CIPD qualification or equivalent, demonstrating solid HR knowledge and professionalism.
• Ability to provide independent advice and make confident decisions, offering practical solutions and overcoming challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to build credible relationships quickly, influencing and challenging constructively when necessary.
• Highly confidential, capable of handling sensitive situations professionally and discreetly.
• Proactive, well-organized, able to manage multiple priorities, with flexibility to travel as required.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Salary: £28,000 - £35,000 depending on experience
• 7 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
• Flexible benefits package (holiday, pension, life insurance)
• Wellbeing tools and employee assistance programs
• Medical cover for optical, dental, and more
• High-quality facilities and working environments
• Refer-a-friend scheme with a £1,000 bonus

Join Us

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (cost covered by us). We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are an equal opportunities employer.

For a full job description, please click here. To view our ex-offenders policy, 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.