People Advisor

Tops Day Nurseries; England; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An early childhood education provider is seeking an exceptional People Advisor to act as a strategic partner. This hybrid role will influence culture, engagement, and workforce performance. You will provide high-level People advice, lead strategic initiatives, and champion the company's values. Candidates should have proven HR experience, knowledge of employment laws, and strong communication skills. Competitive salary and career development opportunities included.

Benefits

Flexible Hybrid Working

Career Development Support

Each Person Recognition Scheme

Focus on Wellbeing

Qualifications

• Proven strategic HR experience across multiple areas.
• Fully knowledgeable in employment law and HR policies.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level People advice to leaders and managers.
• Lead strategic workforce initiatives and analyse engagement metrics.
• Drive manager development and coaching.

Skills

Strategic HR experience

Employment law knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical skills

CIPD Level 5 (or working towards)

Ability to manage complex priorities

Education

CIPD Level 5

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

People Advisor

Location: Hybrid – Tues, Wed and Thurs at Southbourne Hub, Mon, and Fri home-based

Hours: 40 per week
Reports to: People Director

Salary: £32,000 - £37,000 dependant on qualifications and experience

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops, our people, culture, and values come first! Join a team where your expertise will make a real difference. We’re proud to be:

• Certified B Corp – committed to social, environmental, and ethical business practices
• Recipient of the Queen’s Award for Sustainability – recognising our commitment to sustainable operations
• World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 – a place where people thrive and feel valued

Other benefits include:

• Each Person Recognition Scheme – celebrate and reward achievements
• Flexible Hybrid Working – balance office and home-based days
• Quarterly Engagement Surveys & ENPS – your voice shapes our culture
• Career Development – CIPD support, training, and professional growth
• Focus on Wellbeing – inclusive, ethical, and people-focused environment

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional People Advisor to act as a strategic partner across two regions, influencing culture, engagement, and workforce performance. In this role, you will:

• Provide high-level People advice to senior leaders and managers, navigating complex employee relations, performance management, and organisational change
• Lead strategic workforce initiatives, analysing engagement metrics, identifying trends, and delivering impactful action plans to improve culture, retention, and performance
• Drive manager development and coaching, delivering training, briefings, and guidance to embed consistent, best-practice People processes
• Champion the company’s values and culture, fostering inclusion, recognition, and ethical practices across all levels
• Contribute to the People Strategy, ensuring regional initiatives align with business goals and support organisational growth
• Take ownership of complex employee relations cases, investigations, and policy interpretation, providing confidence and clarity to leaders and teams
• Collaborate on workforce planning, ensuring skills, resourcing, and succession align with business needs
• Occasional travel across regions; driving licence and use of own car essential

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven strategic HR experience across multiple areas, ideally in multi-site or regional operations
• Fully knowledgeable in employment law, ACAS guidance, HR policies, and technical HR practices
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and coaching skills, able to impact decisions at senior levels
• Strong administrative and analytical skills – Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• CIPD Level 5 (or working towards ); advanced HR knowledge is highly desirable
• Ability to manage complex priorities independently, with confidence in handling sensitive or high-stakes situations
• Passionate about shaping a positive, inclusive, and ethical workplace culture

What You’ll Love About This Role

• Make a tangible difference across two regions, shaping engagement, recognition, and culture
• Work closely with senior leadership to influence strategy and people decisions
• Join a people-first, ethically driven organisation committed to professional growth and wellbeing
• Take ownership of high-impact HR initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy across the company

Tops Day Nurseries is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.