Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
The Norwich BioScience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) have an exciting opportunity for a Senior HR Advisor to join their busy Human Resources department.
The Norwich Bioscience Institutes (NBI) carry out internationally renowned scientific research and training in the fields of plant, microbial, food and genome research and are based at the Norwich Research Park on the outskirts of Norwich.
The HR team supports the Earlham Institute, the John Innes Centre, the Quadram Institute Bioscience and the NBI Partnership. Each customer has different needs and the HR team support them in the delivery of their strategic plans by providing organisational development and a customer focused HR service.
This Senior HR Advisor will support and assist in the provision of a professional HR service to researchers, managers and staff ensuring the employee life cycle is managed pragmatically reflecting our policies, procedures and best practice.
The role will cover the full spectrum of HR activity supporting talent management, performance management, employee relations, policy development and change management, supporting staff and colleagues. Over time, the post holder may become the HR lead for some business areas.
It is important that the successful candidate has a good understanding of employment law and the ability to identify pragmatic and innovative solutions to problems. An aptitude for researching, compiling and interpreting data and writing reports is desirable.
Key Relationships
• HR Team
• Staff at all levels across the institutes
• Other shared service teams
• Employee Forums/Trade Union
Main Activities & Responsibilities
1. Providing HR advice and support to managers and staff
• To provide advice, practical expertise and guidance on terms and conditions of employment and a range of employment matters ensuring legally compliant and pragmatic solutions are developed.
To manage sickness cases and ensure appropriate support is provided, making referrals to Occupational Health, providing advice to line managers and reporting any complex issues to the HR Managers.
• To contribute towards the implementation of performance management processes, including the annual Performance Review, monitoring and reporting on progress and compliance.
• Provide appropriate advice and coaching to managers on Disciplinary, Capability and Grievance Procedures. Supporting the HR Managers on more complex cases.
• To assist in the preparation of periodic reports as required and provide accurate and timely management information as required.
• To support the promotion processes within each institute, ensuring these cases are progressed in a timely manner.
• Management of performance awards across the NBI.
• Management of staff surveys.
• To contribute to continuous improvement in all HR activities to ensure excellent service.
• Carry out job evaluation, grading reviews, as required.2. Supporting HR change initiatives and developments
• Under the direction of the HR Managers and/or Head of HR, work on projects to support the achievement of the annual HR action plans and developments across NBI.
• Work with the HR team to develop and implement improvements to HR policies, systems and processes.
• Regularly review the HR intranet, policies and procedures to ensure that they are up to date, effective and provide the necessary information.
• Undertake relevant research and support the compilation, interpretation and analysis of complex data and information, produce high quality, informative and concise reports on a range of HR related topics to support new initiatives.
• Support the development of legally compliant HR policies and processes.
• Support the HR Managers/Head of HR in HR projects, including re-structuring initiatives and/or redundancy matters.
• Manage recruitment exercises, the production of employment contracts, extensions and visas as required.
• Support management in developing senior level job descriptions, person specifications, adverts and assessment processes to support organisational developments.
• Provide cover for HR Managers at peak times.Any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
RequirementImportanceDegree or equivalentEssentialCIPD qualifiedEssential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
RequirementImportanceA good understanding of HR processes, employee relations and employment legislationEssentialUnderstanding of contracts of employment and conditions of serviceEssentialStrong knowledge of MS Office and HR systemsEssentialProven numeracy skillsEssential
Relevant Experience
RequirementImportanceSubstantial generalist HR experience, including employee relations and employment lawEssentialRecent casework experience, including disciplinary, grievance and sickness absence managementEssentialAble to provide advice to managers on sickness, parental leave, promotion processes, recruitment, grading reviews and payEssentialExperience of collating, managing, analysing, and presenting data and reporting EssentialAbility to produce professional, well written, clear and concise reportsEssentialExperience in an academic or research environmentDesirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
RequirementImportanceOrganised and structured, with proven ability to effectively manage competing demandsEssentialDemonstrates drive and ability to work on own initiative to achieve resultsEssentialPositive, pro-active and committed to delivering for our customersEssentialA strong team player who is committed to working collaboratively, shares best practice and contributes to the overall success of the HR teamEssentialA confident communicator with good interpersonal skillsEssentialEstablishes credibility and builds effective relationships with key stakeholdersEssential
Additional Requirements
RequirementImportanceAttention to detailEssentialPromotes equality and values diversityEssentialTactful and diplomaticEssentialResults focussed with a flexible approach to ensure delivery in a timely fashionEssentialComplies with, information security procedures, including confidentiality and data protectionEssentialWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to workEssentialWillingness to work outside standard working hours when requiredEssential
Who We Are
NBI Partnership
The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.
The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.
For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.
Department
Human Resources
Living in Norfolk
1. Visit Norfolk
2. Schools in Norfolk
3. Childcare in Norfolk