We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
Portsmouth Water is recruiting for a People Advisor on a 12-month fixed-term contract, looking for an immediate start date in January. This generalist HR role will provide support and guidance across the full employee lifecycle, covering areas such as employee relations, change management, wellbeing initiatives, and the development of people policies and processes. You’ll play a key role in empowering people managers to lead in line with our company values and people strategy.
The successful candidate will contribute to the continuous improvement of our people systems and ensure accuracy in reporting and payroll processes. We're looking for a methodical and proactive HR professional with strong advisory experience, excellent communication skills, and a practical approach to problem-solving. The ideal candidate will also have strong systems and data experience, expertise in data analytics, and an HR generalist background, enabling them to hit the ground running from day one. This is a dynamic role that will adapt to the changing needs of the business.
What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities
Contribute to the continuous improvement of our people systems and practices, ensuring that information is accurate and reliable for reporting and payroll processing purposes.
Provide support to managers at disciplinary, grievance, appeals, and other formal employee relations hearings, as well as issuing the relevant correspondence.
Coach and mentor managers on people matters and promote opportunities for greater employee engagement, well-being, and improved internal communications.
Help create and schedule people related content across our key internal channels including The Tap, Engage and associated social communities.
Ensure return to work interviews are undertaken by managers, and self-certs/fit notes are recorded promptly for payroll processing purposes
Provide support to managers with performance, and capability review meetings along with any outcomes or review actions arising from these discussions.
Assist managers with the monitoring, reporting and management of sickness, absence, and lateness, advising on any action that should be taken, accurately preparing documentation as and when required.
Collaborate with the Occupational Health Service and the Health & Safety Team on Health Surveillance, assist Managers with Management Referrals, support wellbeing initiatives and ensuring systems and health records remain up to date.
Conduct exit interviews and report any issues or trends.
Assist with any planning and delivery of the employee engagement and EDI surveys where required.
Review existing policies, procedures, employment terms and conditions including those aligned to collective agreements and employee handbook, identify required changes to reflect modern working practices and current legislation.
Keep up with trends and developments in people management and employment legislation by reading current journals, books, and articles, as well as attending networking events.
Ensure all work carried out is processed and stored in the relevant Company system in accordance with current GDPR guidance.
What do you need?
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
Accredited to a minimum of CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience
Strong systems and data experience, with expertise in data analytics and a HR generalist background
Proven experience of delivering ‘in house’ people services across the employee lifecycle
Proficient experience of developing and maintaining people management systems
Working knowledge of the relevant employment legislation, regulatory, and compliance considerations within the water sector
Proven communication skills at all levels of stakeholder engagement
A flexible and collaborative approach with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage conflicting priorities and deadlines
Able to have a continuous improvement approach to people systems and practices
Able to work as a team player and ability to use own initiative
Proven track record of managing a wide range of case work, understanding and experience in complex employee relations cases
A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.
Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.
Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.
What can Portsmouth Water offer you?
At Portsmouth Water, we believe in rewarding our people. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you when you join the team:
Holidays Made Better
Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.
A Pension That Works for You
We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
Performance Pays Off
You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
Family Comes First
Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
Social Events
All expenses covered summer and winter social events
Peace of Mind, Always
Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
Comprehensive Wellbeing Support
Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.
PW Perks Treat Yourself!
Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:
* Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Health Cash Plan
and so much more!