Description
Hours: Mon – Friday, Office based with 1 day WFH, 34 hours per week
Role Summary
The HR Advisor provides comprehensive HR support across Head Office and Nursery Group operations, delivering practical advice on employee relations matters and ensuring consistent application of HR policies and procedures. The role is responsible for HR administration, data accuracy and compliance, including maintaining records and supporting audits.
The HR Advisor also supports recruitment, onboarding and policy development in line with employment law and ACAS Codes of Practice, while providing nursery specific guidance and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, the role supports the Franchise Network through the development of clear, compliant HR tools and resources, without direct case management responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
HR Advisory & Operational Support
Head Office & Nursery Group:
· Provide first line HR advice to managers on performance, conduct, capability, absence and wellbeing
· Support employee relations matters, including disciplinary and grievance processes, escalating complex or high-risk cases as appropriate
· Ensure consistent and fair application of HR policies and procedures
· Support recruitment processes, including offer management, onboarding and probation reviews
· Identify training needs and contribute to people capability development
Nursery Specific:
· Oversee HR compliance and documentation standards specific to nurseries, including DBS status and audit readiness
· Ensure HR policies, templates and guidance are appropriate for nursery and early years environments
· Identify HR risks, compliance gaps or process failures within nursery operations and escalate appropriately
· Advise on employment law and regulatory requirements specific to early years and safeguarding environments
Franchise Network:
· Maintain and update HR and recruitment toolkits within the Operations Manual
· Ensure templates, guidance and checklists are accurate, compliant and clearly written
· Signpost franchisees to the Operations Manual, HR helpline or external HR support
· Maintain clear boundaries by not managing individual franchise HR or employee relations cases
· Coordinate and support training delivery across the franchise network
HR Administration, Governance & Projects (All Areas)
· Maintain accurate HR records, contracts and employee data across systems
· Issue contracts, amendments and HR correspondence, and ensure accurate payroll and benefits data
· Prepare HR documentation and maintain clear records of cases and outcomes
· Draft, review and update HR policies and processes in line with employment law and ACAS Codes of Practice
· Ensure HR processes are documented, compliant, and audit-ready, supporting checks including DBS
· Monitor employment law changes and update documentation accordingly
· Produce HR data and insights to support decision making and risk management
· Support HR projects, communications, training and wellbeing initiatives
· Manage and review employee benefits for Head Office and Nursery Group to ensure competitiveness, value and clear communication
Essential Experience & Knowledge
* Experience in an HR Advisor, HR Officer or similar role
* CIPD Level 5 qualified (or working towards)
* Experience supporting managers with employee relations matters
* Experience working in a busy, operational or multi-site environment
* Experience in early years, education, care or safeguarding settings, with knowledge of DBS and compliance requirements (desirable)
* Basic to good working knowledge of UK employment law and ACAS Codes of Practice
Skills & Attributes
* Provides clear, practical and commercially focused HR advice
* Strong judgement and discretion when handling sensitive matters
* Excellent written communication skills (policies, guidance, correspondence)
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail and accurate record keeping
* Able to balance advisory work with hands-on HR administration
* Proactive approach to identifying and managing risk and compliance issues
* Confident working independently, managing priorities and escalating where needed
* Professional, calm and pragmatic in supporting managers
Benefits
• Length of Service Recognition: We want you stay with us! We recognise and reward your length of service with Monkey Puzzle
• Enhanced Maternity Pay: Enhanced pay after 2 years’ service
• Private Healthcare
• YuLife: You will be enrolled into our Group Life Assurance policy and have access to the YuLife app
• Flexible Working
• Conversion based incentive
• Social Events: We arrange catch ups with the team alongside our Christmas parties
• Additional Annual Leave Entitlement: 25 days plus 8 UK bank holidays
• Early finish on a Friday!
#Berkhamsted
Safeguarding Statement
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are committed to Keeping children safe; therefore, it is necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record Disclosure and Barred check to be undertaken. All posts involving direct contact with children and vulnerable adults are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. All candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions, you may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your employment commences.
Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries is a renowned brand that offers outstanding day nursery and preschool child care services for children aged 3 months to 5 years old. With over fifteen years of experience, Monkey Puzzle has worked closely with parents, staff, and Ofsted to deliver exceptional childcare, providing children with unlimited opportunities to play, learn, and grow in a safe and secure environment. With a network of carefully designed nurseries across the United Kingdom, Monkey Puzzle is dedicated to supporting families and answering the question, "Where can I find a nursery near me?". Their nurseries are located in various counties and London boroughs, ensuring accessibility for families in different areas. Monkey Puzzle also prioritizes the growth and development of their team members. They offer apprenticeship programs, early years career opportunities, and comprehensive training and development for their staff, resulting in a highly skilled and dedicated team. From babies to preschoolers, Monkey Puzzle caters to the educational and developmental needs of children in each age group. Their curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their transition to school. Choose Monkey Puzzle for exceptional childcare and a nurturing learning environment for your child's early years.