HR Advisor

**Introduction**

Photek Ltd is a privately owned company located in East Sussex currently employing just over 60 people. Our core business is design and manufacture of specialised imaging detectors and systems covering a diverse range of industries from aerospace to biomedical. Applications for such detectors include the detection of single photons and ultrafast cameras capable of sub-nanosecond exposure times**.**

Photek Ltd. is part of Tibidabo Scientific Industries Ltd., a global leader of highly differentiated technologies in scientific and medical research, life sciences, agriculture, recycling, aerospace, defence and security, and industrial markets.

**Job Summary**

The HR Advisor supports Senior Management and Line Managers in creating, implementing, and improving HR policies and procedures across the business. This role plays a key part in fostering a company culture that reflects Photek's values, ensuring the well-being and development of employees. The Advisor works closely with the Managing Director and department leaders, offering guidance on exceptional HR situations while remaining approachable to all staff.

The role requires full discretion when handling confidential information related to personnel, salaries, and company objectives. Additionally, the HR Advisor supports the day-to-day operations of the business and contributes to continuous improvement.

All staff are expected to:

- Ensure core business areas comply with ISO9001:2015, the Quality Management System (QMS), internal processes, and external regulations.
- Identify and suggest improvements to the QMS.
- Maintain a customer-focused approach within Photek.
- Be aware of the Quality Policy and Objectives, actively contributing to the effectiveness of the QMS and understanding the consequences of non-compliance.

**Key areas of responsibility**

**HR Management**
- Work with Senior Management and the Managing Director to define, implement, and oversee HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are regularly reviewed and legally compliant.
- Maintain and update the employee handbook and employment contracts to reflect legislative changes.
- Support line managers in handling HR-related issues (e.g., absence monitoring, disciplinaries, grievances, flexible working requests) to ensure consistency.
- Lead or oversee HR-related conversations, offering guidance and note-taking as needed.
- Assist in designing, scheduling, and managing staff performance reviews and goal-setting processes.

**HR support**
- Administer HR-related documentation, including contracts, onboarding materials, and personnel records.
- Ensure the HR database is accurate, up-to-date, and legally compliant (e.g., absence management, employment details).
- Serve as the first point of contact for all employee HR-related queries, offering support and guidance.
- Create regular HR reports and presentations (e.g., turnover rates, absence trends).
- Manage the recruitment process, including job postings, CV screening, interview coordination, and agency communication.
- Oversee new hire setup in HR systems, ensuring employees have the necessary access and documentation.

**Finance Compensation & Benefits**
- Regularly review the benefits package to ensure competitiveness with market standards.
- Collaborate with management to review and implement salary changes.
- Manage pension schemes and promote additional employee benefits (e.g., PMI).
- Assist Finance by providing payroll-related data, including holiday absences, sick days, and overtime records.
- Act as a secondary payroll backup to support the Financial Controller.

**Learning & Development**
- Deliver training on HR policies and compliance updates as required.
- Work with line managers to assess and fulfill training needs.
- Manage and monitor the training budget.

**HR Systems & Data Management**
- Maintain and update the HR dashboard throughout the year.
- Oversee holiday tracking software, ensuring leave requests are monitored to avoid last-minute approvals.
- Ensure accurate management and storage of all personnel files.

**Diversity, Inclusion & Employee Well-Being**
- Organise and support Well-Being Team events, fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Manage the HR & Canteen budget.

**Office Administration Responsibilities**
- Act as receptionist, handling incoming calls and welcoming visitors.
- Manage office budgets and coordinate travel bookings for management (e.g., hotels, taxis).

**Health & Safety Responsibilities**
- Promote and maintain compliance with H&S best practices and legal requirements.
- Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 international quality standards.

The HR Advisor is a point of contact for all colleagues within the business, as required, for both personal and professional reasons.

**Person Specification**:
**Qualifications**

CIPD Level 3 (or working towards) - Essential

CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) - Desirable

Good IT skills (Microsoft Office etc.) - Essential

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