Human Resources Advisor

Who We Are

Science Group is an international science, engineering and technology business providing a range of services to clients in the key vertical markets of medical, defence, industrial, food & beverage and consumer, supplemented by a strategic products division where the Group holds leading market positions in associated technology sectors.

The Group has a strong balance sheet with significant cash resources and a freehold property asset base. With offices throughout Europe and North America, two dedicated R&D innovation centres and employees fluent in over 30 languages, Science Group supports a global client base in over 100 countries.

Our numerous scientists, engineers, regulatory advisors and market experts are supported by the Group’s streamlined central support functions.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic generalist HR Advisor to join the HR team in our Cambridge (UK) office. Reporting to one of two HR Managers, also based in the UK, this role will advise stakeholders within each of Science Group’s operating businesses on HR best practice.

With a global remit, you will be responsible for ensuring that a broad range of HR activities are managed effectively and to a high level of professionalism, by providing advice, coaching and general HR support across the UK, US and Europe. You should, therefore, already have significant experience of providing first class HR support within a commercial or consulting services environment and have a proven track record of delivering results, preferably across multiple sites and geographical regions.

Science Group is best characterised as a growing and ambitious organisation, with a fast-paced environment, whilst the workforce is comprised of scientists, engineers, regulatory professionals and industry experts. The successful candidate will enjoy a dynamic, international and constantly evolving working environment and will assist in looking for the next challenge and opportunity to advance the quality and capability of HR within the organisation. This requires a hands-on approach to daily tasks, HR projects, processes and Employee Relations activities and will require working closely with the Group HRD, HR Managers and HR Administrators for the specific region(s). It is important that HR is seen as a proactive and professional partner to the business, so this also requires working closely with employees and key stakeholders across the business to ensure that short, medium and long-term objectives are met.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Queries: Work with (and mentor) our team of HR Administrators, to ensure that all employee queries are dealt with promptly, accurately and consistently. Also respond directly to more complex questions and concerns, generating solutions whilst seeking clarification (where required) from the HR Manager and/or HR Director.

• Employee Relations: Advise managers on ER issues - playing an active part in the formal process whilst escalating to the HR Manager and/or HR Director as required. Manage documentation of processes, such as requests for flexible working, maternity/paternity leave, disciplinaries, grievances, etc.

• Business Advice: Provide advice, coaching and support to employees on all HR matters, policies and processes. Identify and address key personnel issues within the business, escalating to the HR Manager and/or HR Director as appropriate.

• Policies & Procedures: Responsible for ensuring that HR best practice is followed and that HR-related Company activities comply with local employment legislation, whilst taking into account business and corporate requirements.

• Learning & Development: Work collaboratively with the current HR team and relevant business areas to identify career development and training needs, contributing to key training themes and internal workshops when required.

• Onboarding: Coordinate our new joiner induction programme, providing a comfortable yet thorough onboarding process whilst also following up via probation review meetings. Also support any visa applications and/or renewals where appropriate.

• General Support: Provide additional support to the HR Manager and HR Director and undertake additional ad hoc projects when required, using HR information systems to access, input and compile data.

• Travel: Whilst based predominantly in Harston, Cambridge, this role will require some periodic travel to other office locations.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in HR, preferably within a professional services environment
• CIPD or equivalent qualification preferable
• Experience of resolving employee relations issues
• Firm understanding of HR best practice and compliance with local employment legislation (UK essential, additional locations desirable)
• Multi-site experience highly desirable
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to liaise with all levels of the organisation
• Ability to build rapport with employees
• Ability to multi-task, prioritise effectively and operate efficiently in a fast-moving environment

Career Development

We are committed to career development and make a focused effort to offer bespoke training and mentoring, to allow each individual to thrive within their environment and realise their personal potential.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.