People Advisor

Tops Day Nurseries; Wick; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization in England seeks a People Advisor to foster culture and engagement across two regions. This role will involve high-level HR functions, driving workforce initiatives, and championing values of inclusion. Candidates must have strategic HR experience, strong communication skills, and be committed to fostering a positive work environment. The position offers competitive benefits, including childcare discounts and health support, as well as the opportunity to be part of a renowned team recognized for workplace happiness.

Benefits

Up to 60% childcare discount

Exclusive discounts via Blue Light Card

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance including birthday off

Qualifications

• Proven strategic HR experience across multiple areas, ideally in multi-site operations.
• Fully knowledgeable in employment law, ACAS guidance, and HR practices.
• Exceptional communication and coaching skills to impact decisions at senior levels.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage complex priorities independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level People advice to senior leaders handling employee relations.
• Lead strategic workforce initiatives and deliver impactful action plans.
• Drive manager development through training and guidance.
• Champion inclusive practices and foster company values.
• Take ownership of complex employee relations cases.

Skills

Strategic HR experience

Employment law knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical skills

HR software proficiency

Coaching skills

Ability to manage priorities

Education

CIPD Level 5 or working towards

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

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:

Responsibilities

• 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
• Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don\'t yet have one, you\'ll need to cover the cost.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles - not on the Children\'s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

About Tops Day Nurseries

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

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

Company and Benefits

At Tops Day Nurseries, we\'ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK's largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With 38 nursery sites across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us. We\'re proud to be recognised as a World\'s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you\'ll enjoy as part of our family.

• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
• Health & wellbeing support - NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance - including your birthday off & a wellbeing day