Job Description

HR Advisor

Application Deadline: 4 October 2026

Department: People - HR and Training

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: East Sussex - Lewes

Compensation: £34,800 / year

Description

Location: Lewes

This position is offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum 3 days per week in our Lewes office

Salary: £34,800 per year

Hours: 37 per week

Contract: FTC for 4 months

What you’ll be doing:

Southdown is the largest not-for-profit provider of care, support, and housing in Sussex. We’ve been helping people access stable accommodation, mental health and care services since 1972, now counting over 900 people as part of our team.

We have an exciting, fixed term opportunity for an individual who wants to expand their experience as a HR professional. We are seeking a dynamic HR Advisor (known internally as a People Advisor) to support our existing team. You will be providing practical HR advice and support to our managers and colleagues including managing a range of HR matter & employee relations cases including sickness, attendance, capability, conduct, grievances and probation. You will also be involved in policy development and support the implementation of changes relating to the Employment Rights Act.

We welcome applications from those with experience in roles such as HR Generalist, HR Advisor, People Advisor, HR Business Partner and ER Advisor.

Perks and benefits:

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Knowledge, skills and experience

What you’ll need for the role:

• Previous employee relations experience in managing performance, policy development and organisational restructures.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with managers and colleagues.
• Provide coaching, advice and guidance on a range of HR activities including making reasonable, adjustments, flexible working, maternity and other statutory requirements.
• Experience of supporting formal investigations.
• Knowledge of employment legislation, GDPR and HR compliance standards.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) or working towards it.
• Work as part of a team to achieve results.

What would be nice:

• Knowledge of TUPE regulations.
• Managing staff benefits.

Training:

Our award-winning in-house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.

How to apply:

Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and an appointment may be made before the advertisement is closed if a suitable candidate is identified. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.