People (HR) Advisor

Trinity House; Tendring; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Trinity House as a People Advisor on a fixed term maternity cover. In this pivotal role, you will support HR processes and employee relations while ensuring compliance with policies and organizational objectives. This opportunity promises a collaborative environment, impactful projects, and excellent working conditions including hybrid arrangements.

Benefits

Generous pension contribution

Annual leave allowance

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an HR Advisor or similar role.
• Strong understanding of employee relations and UK employment law.
• Ability to manage ER cases effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations matters.
• Support implementation of new HRIS systems.
• Coordinate activities across the employee lifecycle.

Skills

Employee Relations

Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

CIPD Level 5 qualification

Tools

HR systems

Job description

People Advisor
Fixed Term - Maternity Cover
Harwich, Swansea, London or St. Just
£37,768.00 - 43,008.00 per annum
37 hours per week

Trinity House works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity. Our people are central to our reputation as a leading maritime organisation, as is our commitment as an employer to developing the skills, capabilities and potential of our workforce.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for aPeople Services Advisorto join our People Services team, covering maternity leave (anticipated contract length circa 12 months). This role plays a key part in delivering and supporting change across people-related processes and practices.

As the first point of contact for line managers, you will provide expert advice and guidance on all matters relating to employee relations (ER), ensuring that robust policies, processes, and toolkits are in place. You will also act as an ambassador for business partnering, promoting best practice and high standards in all aspects of people management.

This is a pivotal time for Trinity House, with the implementation of a new HRIS system and a comprehensive review of policies, process and procedures underway. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring our people services remain efficient, compliant, and aligned with our organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for line managers on all employee relations matters, including absence management, occupational health referrals, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and the Employee Handbook and Marine Manual.
• Provide high-quality, consistent and legally compliant HR advice to managers and employees, ensuring alignment with organisational policies, culture, values and behaviours, while supporting the wider business plan.
• Support people-related projects, including the implementation of new HRIS systems, policy reviews, and process or change management initiatives.
• Coordinate and oversee administrative activities across the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, contractual changes, promotions and offboarding.
• Ensure all People Services documentation is current, legally compliant, and supports a right-first-time, audit-ready approach.
• Maintain and analyse key people data, including absence rates, retention, exit interviews, ER case trends, FTE data and performance indicators; provide insights and suggest improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement within People Services, ensuring all policies and toolkits are accessible, clear, and reduce administrative burden.
• Work in partnership with internal stakeholders to implement initiatives that support employee engagement and wellbeing, including health campaigns and occupational health provision.
• Collaborate with the Resourcing & Talent Management Lead and the Learning & Talent Development Manager to support delivery of management and leadership training programmes.
• Mentor the People Services Apprentice and People Services Assistant, contributing to their development and progression.
• Support the HR Business Partner with complex ER cases and process change programmes.
• Ensure all activities are aligned with business goals and contribute to building a high-performing, values-led culture.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in an HR Advisor or similar role, with a strong understanding of employee relations and UK employment law.
• Confidence in managing ER cases and advising line managers with clarity and professionalism.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proactive and flexible approach.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in using HR systems.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering best practice in people services.
• Willingness to travel to other Trinity House sites as required (London, Swansea, St Just).
• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or currently working towards it)

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of policy review and development
• Experience of project or process change management
• Coaching or mentoring experience

What We Offer

• The opportunity to join a collaborative and forward-thinking People Services team.
• Involvement in transformational HR projects that make a meaningful impact across Trinity House.
• The chance to influence and shape people practices and enhance management capability organisation-wide.
• Excellent working conditions, including hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous pension contribution and annual leave allowance.

Clickhereto view the role profile.

We welcome qualified individuals to apply and we look forward to reviewing your applications for this exciting opportunity.We are committed to equity within a respectful, diverse and inclusive environment.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the online application process, by submitting your CV along with a supporting statement, evidencing how you meet the role requirements.