Human Resources Advisor

National Composites Centre; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility in Bristol is seeking an experienced Human Resources Advisor for a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will join a small HR team, providing high-quality advice on various HR matters and supporting HR projects. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of UK employment law, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to HR practices. The role offers competitive salary in a hybrid working environment with great benefits including private medical insurance and substantial pension contributions.

Benefits

Company paid private medical insurance

Annual salary reviews

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Qualifications

• Experience in HR Advisor or similar HR generalist role.
• Experience in handling employee relations cases.
• Confidence working with people data and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide HR advice on people matters.
• Manage employee relations cases effectively.
• Support HR projects aligned with HR strategy.

Skills

HR advisory experience

UK employment law knowledge

Strong communication skills

Proactive mindset

Education

CIPD qualification (or working towards)

Tools

HR systems

Job description

Human Resources Advisor - 12 month FTC

Location: Bristol based with hybrid working

Salary: £36,068 - £46,419 per annum, experience dependent

Closing date: 15th February 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if required.

Here at NCC, we are looking for a proactive HR Advisor to join us for a 12-month fixed term contract.

You’ll join a small, friendly HR team who are responsible for delivering the people strategy of the NCC and ensuring that our staff get the very best from their HR service.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build on their HR advisory experience, gain ownership of key HR activities, and play a meaningful role in shaping and improving HR processes and practice.

You’ll provide high-quality, pragmatic HR advice to managers and employees across the business, supporting them through the full employee lifecycle. Alongside this, you’ll contribute to HR projects, people data reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What you’ll be doing

HR advice & employee relations

• Provide timely and practical HR advice to managers and employees on a wide range of people matters
• Support and, where appropriate, lead on employee relations cases such as disciplinary, grievance, performance management, flexible working and absence management
• Partner with the HR Business Partner on more complex or high-risk cases, escalating where required
• Manage sickness absence processes, including return‑to‑work meetings, monitoring trends, and recommending improvement actions
• Coordinate leaver processes, conduct exit interviews, and analyse themes to support retention initiatives

HR service delivery

• Ensure HR systems and records are accurate, up to date and GDPR compliant
• Support and maintain HR policies, procedures, guidance documents and the HR SharePoint page
• Support HR administration activity including contracts, offer letters, onboarding and pre-employment checks
• Act as HR lead for internal and external audits and conduct quarterly HR record audits
• Act as ‘Super User’ for the HR module of the unified business system

Data, payroll & reward

• Collate, analyse and report on people data including absence, attrition, recruitment and employee relations
• Produce management information to support operational decision‑making and quarterly people reviews
• Lead the monthly payroll process and act as the main point of contact for payroll queries
• Coordinate annual pay and performance review processes and grading panels
• Support legislative reporting such as gender and equal pay reporting

Projects & development

• Support or lead HR projects aligned to the HR strategy
• Develop and deliver training on objective setting, performance reviews and development planning
• Promote and administer the employee benefits package

So, what are we looking for?

You’ll be an experienced HR professional who enjoys working closely with managers, providing practical advice and building strong working relationships.

• Previous experience in an HR Advisor or similar HR generalist role
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience handling employee relations cases and absence management
• Confidence using HR systems and working with people data and reporting
• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
• CIPD qualification (or working towards) would be desirable but not essential.

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working patterns as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

Unsure if you should apply? Got a quick question you wanted to check beforehand? Please feel free to reach out to the recruitment team – [e-mail]