Overview
Cross Campus (Benfleet, Grays & Canvey) | 37 hrs / week | 52 weeks / year
We’re looking for an exceptional HR Advisor who loves variety, thrives under pressure, and wants to make a real impact across the entire employee journey—from wellbeing initiatives, employee relations and performance management to supporting on recruitment, payroll, and strategic reporting. This is a fast-paced, people-focused role where you’ll coach managers, champion staff wellbeing, and help shape HR practice across the College. If you’re organised, proactive, and passionate about doing HR brilliantly, this is your chance to step into a role where no two days are the same—and every day matters.
Main purpose
As our HR Advisor, you’ll be the first point of contact for all HR queries, providing clear, consistent, and professional advice. No two days are the same — you’ll be supporting everything from recruitment and induction to employee relations, HR reporting, and policy improvement.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert advice and support to managers on employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management, and safeguarding, ensuring compliance with current policies, procedures, and legislation.
* Coach and develop managers across all areas of HR practice, including performance management, appraisals, probation, recruitment, staffing requests, and general people management.
* Manage and prepare accurate HR documentation and administration, including contracts, payroll data, DBS checks, electronic records, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
* Lead and support key HR processes such as recruitment, induction and onboarding, annual appraisals, staff wellbeing initiatives, and HR policy development.
* Produce timely monthly, quarterly, and annual HR reports and analysis to support decision-making by senior management and external organisations.
* Effectively prioritise and manage a high volume of HR queries, contribute to ad hoc projects, travel as required, and provide flexible support to the wider HR team.
Essential qualifications and experience
* CIPD Level 3 (or equivalent qualification).
* Proven experience as an HR Advisor in a busy HR environment.
* Sound understanding of employee relations and employment legislation.
* Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
* Strong communication, coaching, and influencing abilities.
* Ability to work independently while supporting senior HR colleagues.
* High attention to detail and accuracy.
Desirable
* CIPD Level 5 or relevant degree.
* Experience with HR administration including payroll processes.
* Experience updating policies and procedures.
* Previous HR experience within education.
Why choose us?
We aim to create a Career Focused, Digital Learning environment where the learner experience and our relationships with our community, local and regional employers, are at the heart of what we do. We are finalists for AoC Beacon awards for effective use of digital technology in FE. We offer a high achieving, focused learning environment to help students achieve their goals and prepare for higher education or skilled roles. Our college is in Essex with good access to surrounding areas by road and rail.
What we offer
* A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn
* Excellent pension provision
* Annual Staff Awards
* CPD days – development through mentorship and coaching
* Free onsite parking
* Staff appreciation days
* Eye care vouchers
* Onsite Starbucks & Restaurant
* Well-being days & activities
* Electric Vehicle Scheme*
* Discounted gym membership
* Hybrid Working available
* Fully immersive teaching rooms for simultaneous online teaching at multiple locations
* Free Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days offering legal & financial advice, plus general support
* * subject to terms & conditions
Safeguarding and disclosures
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants may need to undertake an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service, and other checks as required to ascertain suitability for working with children and/or vulnerable adults. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a self-declaration of criminal record. Further information is available on GOV.UK.
USP College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and staff are expected to share this commitment.
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