Job Description

Job Title:

Senior HR Advisor

Location:

Maidstone, Bristol and Reading (some travel required)

Role Type:

Remote



First Intuition (FI) is a fast-growing, innovative education provider committed to delivering outstanding learning experiences. At FI, our commitment to excellence is driven by our core driving principle of putting people first. We take pride in nurturing talent, fostering growth, and providing unparalleled support to our students, clients, and team members, ensuring they can thrive personally and professionally.





Our success is due to our approach to training and our links with businesses. We work closely with organisations to precisely understand their needs and incorporate these into innovative course designs, where the interaction with students is tailored, personal and reflects their specific circumstances. This approach has led to First Intuition being awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by Ofsted.

Job summary:

The Senior HR Advisor provides high-quality, proactive and commercially aligned HR support across the Maidstone, Bristol and Reading offices. The role partners with line managers and employees to deliver effective HR solutions, ensure consistent application of policy, and support the development of a high-performing, values-led culture.



The postholder will act as a first point of escalation for complex ER matters, support strategic HR initiatives, and contribute to the continuous improvement of people processes across the region.

Duties and responsibilities to include:

1. Employee Relations & Case Management


Lead on complex employee relations issues, including disciplinary, grievance, performance, absence, and capability cases. Provide expert guidance to managers ensuring fairness, legal compliance, and alignment with company policies. Coach managers to build capability and confidence in handling people matters. Prepare documentation, investigation reports, outcome letters and meeting scripts. Supporting additional work as reasonably required by management from time to time. This list is not exhaustive.




2. HR Operations & Policy


Ensure consistent application of HR policies across the three locations. Review and update HR policies in line with legislation and best practice. Provide clear, pragmatic advice to managers and employees on HR processes. Support annual processes such as salary reviews, appraisals, promotions and benefits cycles.




3. Performance, Development & Culture


Support managers with probation reviews, performance improvement plans and development conversations. Champion the organisation's values and support initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement and retention. Support delivery of L&D activities, leadership development and training sessions locally.




4. HR Data, Reporting & Compliance


Monitor sickness absence, turnover trends and other key indicators, recommending actions when required.




5. Regional Responsibilities


Act as the day-to-day HR lead for Maidstone, Bristol and Reading, ensuring visible presence across sites. Build strong relationships with managers and employees to understand local needs, risks and opportunities. Work with Director of People and Culture and other HR Business Partners on strategic initiatives such as workforce planning, succession and organisation design.

Required skills:

CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent experience). Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice. Excellent communication, influencing and coaching skills. High level of discretion, professionalism and emotional intelligence. Ability to manage multiple priorities across different sites. Significant experience in a generalist HR role with proven exposure to complex ER cases.

Desirable Skills:

Experience in a multi-site organisation. Demonstrates integrity, fairness and a strong commitment to high standards. Drives continuous improvement with a solutions-focused mindset. Confident, resilient and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Acts as a role model for the organisation's values and expected behaviours. Collaborative and supportive, building trust with stakeholders across all levels. Behaviours & Values Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., BambooHR, Rippling, Workday).

Travel Requirements

Regular travel across Maidstone, Bristol and Reading (typically 1-2 days per site per month).

Benefits:

30 annual leave PLUS bank holidays



3 FI Days per year



Hybrid working available, equipment provided for homeworking



Flexible-working positive employer with a range of family-friendly policies



Employee Assistance Programme: 24-hour confidential access to counselling and support services



Competitive Pension



Training and development opportunities



Long term career prospects in a growing company



Employee perks including a range of discounts to suit your lifestyle





We are committed to safeguarding and protecting young people and vulnerable adults and follow Safer Recruitment processes. All successful candidates will need to complete a DBS check, with some roles requiring an Enhanced check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.



As a disability confident employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. In line with our commitment, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please let us know, and we will be happy to support you.



First Intuition collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant, see the privacy notice for further details.



First Intuition does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.