HR Advisor

We’re currently recruiting for a private equity-backed organisation operating across drainage and plumbing services, with a growing footprint of 180 employees across the group. As they continue to expand through acquisition, they are investing in their people function and are now seeking a Senior HR Advisor to support one of their specialist business units (circa 40 employees) based in Lewes, East Sussex.

This is a newly created, standalone role within a smaller company in the group, offering a unique opportunity to build and shape the unit’s HR function from the ground up.

The role is paying £45,000-£48,000 DOE plus benefits including support with/funding for professional training. The role is onsite at the company offices based 5 days a week in Lewes, Brighton. Working hours are 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Free parking is available onsite.

Reporting into the Group People Director, you will take full ownership of HR for a 40-person business unit based in Lewes. With no existing HR infrastructure in place, you will play a key role in introducing, embedding, and evolving HR processes while supporting managers across all aspects of people management.

This is a hands-on, operational role with scope to contribute strategically as the business grows.

Responsibilities include:

• Act as the primary HR contact for the business unit, supporting managers and employees
• Provide expert guidance on UK employment law and HR best practice
• Manage employee relations cases end-to-end
• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and processes from scratch
• Create contracts, offer letters, and HR documentation
• Coach managers on people-related matters
• Support organisational growth, including integration of future acquisitions
• Drive consistency and continuous improvement in HR practices

Requirements:

• Proven experience as an HR Advisor or Senior HR Advisor in a generalist role
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations
• Experience developing policies and HR processes
• Comfortable working in a standalone, hands-on environment
• Agile, proactive, and solutions-focused with a creative approach
• Confident influencing and supporting line managers
• Experience in blue-collar, engineering, or field-based environments is highly desirable
• Able to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day HR administration