People Advisor

First Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated People Advisor to join their HR department in Leeds. This full-time, permanent role focuses on providing expert guidance on employee relations, supporting managers throughout the employee lifecycle, and enhancing HR policies. The ideal candidate will bring proven HR advisory experience, particularly in a unionized setting, and possess strong organizational skills. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this forward-thinking company values the wellbeing of its employees and offers a range of benefits, including health support and flexible working arrangements, making it an exciting opportunity for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Health Benefits

Financial Wellbeing Discounts

Discounted Train Travel

Free Bus Pass

Cycle to Work Scheme

25 Days Holiday

Pension Scheme

Discounted Shares

Flexible Working Arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an HR Advisor in a unionized environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations and HR policies.
• Collaborate with managers to enhance their HR capabilities.

Skills

HR Advisory Experience

CIPD Qualification

Employment Legislation Knowledge

Relationship Building

Organizational Skills

Initiative and Process Improvement

Team Player

Education

CIPD Qualification

Tools

HR System

Job description

We have a fantastic opportunity for a People Advisor to join our HR department in Leeds. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Reporting and Main Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of People Operations, the People Advisor will be the first point of contact for managers, providing expert and pragmatic advice on a range of people matters spanning the full employee lifecycle and associated people policies. The key focus will likely be on employee relations (ER) issues such as disciplinary, grievance, and absence management.

The People Advisor will also utilize and provide insights on the current ER climate and support the development and understanding of people policies across managers and employees to improve the ER landscape.

Responsibilities

1. Advising and guiding managers on a range of people issues, including first-line queries on ER, absence, and performance management.
2. Assisting with providing advice and proactive recommendations to managers on employment matters and working with them to resolve issues.
3. Working alongside People Business Partners to provide advice and guidance on local policies, procedures, and current legislation.
4. Collaborating with managers to develop their capability and confidence in dealing with people issues.
5. Reviewing and creating draft policies and processes, advising line managers on practical application, and ensuring compliance with legislative changes.
6. Maintaining and developing good relationships with Union Reps and the company to ensure union agreements are collaborative, including day-to-day liaison regarding ER cases.
7. Utilizing the HR system to access, add, and update information to support monitoring and identification of ER trends across the business.
8. Supporting the wider people team in delivering key projects and initiatives aligned with the People Strategy.

Skills and Experience

1. Proven experience as an HR Advisor or similar role, ideally in a unionized environment.
2. CIPD qualification and strong knowledge of employment legislation (desirable).
3. Track record of building and maintaining relationships with employees, managers, and leaders at all levels.
4. Ability to work autonomously and escalate first-level employee relations cases as required.
5. Strong planning, coordination, and organizational skills with the ability to respond quickly to changing priorities.
6. Initiative and drive to improve processes and meet objectives.
7. A strong team player with an excellent attitude, work ethic, and professionalism.

Rewards & Benefits

• Health benefits including Simply Health & Smart Health at no cost, with cashback, virtual GP, mental health support, and nutrition advice.
• Financial wellbeing benefits such as discounts on high street brands and supermarkets.
• Travel benefits including discounted train travel and a free bus pass after 6 months.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme and opportunity to buy discounted First Group shares.
• Flexible working arrangements.

At First Bus, we prioritize physical and mental wellbeing through various initiatives and 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, thinking, and experiences, as diversity enriches our community and service.

Applicants should be aware that background checks will be part of our recruitment process.