HR Advisor (FTC)

USP College; South Benfleet; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in South Benfleet is seeking a proactive HR Advisor to provide essential HR support. The role involves managing the full employee lifecycle and ensuring consistent HR advice across all levels. The ideal candidate will have significant HR experience, excellent communication skills, and a CIPD Level 3 qualification. Join us to help create an inclusive workplace that fosters wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Significant HR Advisor experience in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work independently and support senior HR colleagues.
• Self-motivated and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality first-line HR advice and support to staff and managers.
• Manage competing priorities while supporting staff at all levels.
• Ensure advice is consistent, accurate, and aligned with policy.

Skills

Strong understanding of employee relations issues

Excellent organisation skills

Strong coaching and influencing skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Education

CIPD Level 3 or equivalent qualification

Job description

Company Description

USP College is a Further Education College with campuses located in Benfleet, Grays, and Canvey Island. With around 4,000 students, we offer a variety of qualifications including A-Levels, T-Levels, Vocational courses, Foundation Learning, Higher Education, and courses for Adults.

Role Description

Are you an experienced HR professional who thrives in a busy, fast-paced environment? We are looking for a proactive and motivated HR Advisor to provide first-class HR advice and support across the College. This is a fantastic opportunity to work across the full employee life cycle, from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations, wellbeing initiatives, and payroll administration.

Main Purpose of the Role

To provide high-quality first-line HR advice and support to staff and managers across the College. You will be the first point of contact for HR queries, ensuring advice is consistent, accurate, and aligned with policy, procedures, and employment legislation. The role supports the entire employee lifecycle, including wellbeing, recruitment, employee relations, payroll, and performance management.

About you

This role will suit someone who is confident, approachable, and solutions-focused. You’ll be able to manage competing priorities and maintain professionalism while supporting staff at all levels. You’ll bring resilience, a proactive mindset, and the ability to balance day-to-day HR tasks with strategic projects. Above all, you’ll be passionate about people, wellbeing, and supporting the College’s mission to create an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 3 or equivalent qualification.
• Significant HR Advisor experience in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of employee relations issues and basic employment law (e.g., TUPE, discrimination, statutory pay).
• Excellent organisation, time management, and prioritisation skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and support senior HR colleagues.
• Strong coaching, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Self-motivated and proactive.

Desirable experience (but not essential)

• CIPD Level 5 or a relevant degree.
• Experience providing high-level HR administrative support, including payroll.
• Experience reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
• Previous experience working within an education environment.

This is a cross-campus role, with split responsibility between our Benfleet and Grays campsues.