Senior HR Advisor

Location: Gloucester or Bristol Office - some travel may be required to other offices; expenses will be provided.

Salary: £36,000 – £40,000 per annum (depending on experience).

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. Some hybrid working can be agreed on an ad‑hoc informal basis, but regular office attendance is also required.

Reporting line: This role reports to the HR Manager (based in Gloucester) and covers support for employees across all locations.

Job Purpose

As a Senior HR Advisor, you will play a key role in supporting the HR Manager in delivering a proactive and high‑quality HR service across the firm. This is a hands‑on role, requiring expertise in employee relations, performance management, recruitment, and HR best practices within a professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations & Case Management
  • Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues including disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence management.
  • Manage and support formal investigations, hearings, and appeals, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
  • Coach and support line managers in handling sensitive employee matters confidently and in line with employment law and company policies.
  • Liaise with Occupational Health and external providers to support wellbeing and reasonable adjustments.
• Recruitment & Onboarding
  • Lead recruitment campaigns, working with hiring managers to define role requirements, selection criteria, and interview processes.
  • Oversee onboarding and induction processes to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for new joiners.
  • Support employer branding initiatives and contribute to diversity and inclusion in recruitment practices.
• Policy & Compliance
  • Review, update, and implement HR policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and alignment with best practice.
  • Provide training and briefings to staff and managers on policy changes and HR processes.
  • Ensure GDPR compliance in all HR record‑keeping and data handling.
• Performance & Development
  • Support the performance review cycle, including appraisals, feedback processes, and development planning.
  • Identify training needs and coordinate learning and development initiatives across departments.
  • Contribute to succession planning and talent development strategies.
• HR Systems & Reporting
  • Maintain and improve HR systems, ensuring accurate data entry and reporting.
  • Monitor key HR metrics such as turnover, absence, and engagement, and provide insights to leadership.
  • Support payroll processes and benefits administration in collaboration with finance and external providers.
• Strategic Projects & Culture
  • Lead or contribute to HR projects such as employee engagement, wellbeing, and diversity & inclusion.
  • Support organizational change initiatives including restructures, TUPE, and consultation processes.
  • Champion a positive workplace culture aligned with the company’s values and strategic goals.

This role meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will be subject to a basic criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.

Equal Opportunities

Davies and Partners Solicitors provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable national laws. We comply with all non‑discrimination laws in every location in which we operate.

Person Specification

• I.D.E.A.L. CIPD Level 5 or above (Level 7 desirable).
• Evidence of continuous professional development in HR‑related areas.
• Proven experience in a generalist HR advisory role, ideally within a professional services or legal environment.
• Strong track record of managing complex employee relations cases.
• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes.
• Familiarity with HR systems and data reporting tools.
• Experience contributing to strategic HR projects such as wellbeing, diversity & inclusion, or organizational change.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Strong understanding of HR policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels.
• High level of emotional intelligence and discretion when handling sensitive matters.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms (e.g. SageHR).

Desirable

• Experience in a law company/legal sector or regulated professional services environment.
• Knowledge of TUPE, restructures, and change management processes.
• Coaching or mentoring experience.

You may also have experience in the following: HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, Senior People Advisor, HR Manager, People Partner, HR Advisor, Human Resources Advisor, Human Resources, etc.

REF‑(Apply online only)

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Human Resources
Industries: Staffing and Recruiting