HR Advisor

About Ellison Institute of Technology

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is driven to convert pioneering scientific research into impactful real-world applications. Bringing together leading experts in science, technology, engineering, research, education, and innovation, EIT addresses profound global challenges in four critical areas: health and medical sciences, sustainable agriculture and food security, climate change with CO₂ management, and artificial intelligence and robotics. The organization fosters a culture rooted in excellence, innovation, perseverance, trust, and collaboration to transform bold ideas into societal breakthroughs.

Your Role

In collaboration with Foster + Partners, EIT is revitalizing the historic Eagle & Child pub in Oxford, a venue celebrated for its literary and cultural history. We seek a seasoned HR Advisor to provide dedicated and pragmatic human resources support for The Eagle & Child, enhancing the employee experience within this dynamic hospitality setting. As principal HR contact for the venue's leadership, you will oversee comprehensive employee lifecycle processes, ensuring adherence to UK employment laws, internal policies, and HR best practices while nurturing a high-performance, engaged workforce focused on exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for employee relations issues at The Eagle & Child, handling investigations, disciplinary processes, grievances, absence management, and performance concerns in compliance with legal and company standards.
• Offer practical advice to management and escalate complex cases to the HR Business Partner when necessary.
• Promote positive employee relations and cultivate an inclusive and respectful work environment.
• Collaborate with hiring managers and the Talent team to recruit skilled hospitality professionals and support workforce planning aligned with operational needs.
• Facilitate onboarding and induction to integrate new hires effectively.
• Identify talent, succession prospects, and career growth opportunities in partnership with management.
• Assist in implementing learning and development programs to enhance employee skills and service quality.
• Recognize training needs across front-of-house, kitchen, and operational teams and encourage continuous professional development, including leadership training for supervisors.
• Guide managers on performance management, from objective setting and feedback delivery to managing improvement plans, fostering a culture focused on accountability and recognition.
• Support and organize employee engagement initiatives that embody EIT and Eagle & Child values, analyzing feedback to inform improvements.
• Maintain precise employee records and prepare HR analytics reports on turnover, absence, recruitment, and engagement, utilizing insights to refine HR practices.
• Ensure organizational compliance with employment laws, conduct audits, review HR policies, and advocate for best practices in wellbeing, health and safety, and workforce management.

Requirements

• Solid knowledge of HR principles, policies, procedures, and UK employment legislation.
• Substantial experience managing sensitive employee relations issues with discretion.
• Proficiency in analyzing HR metrics for informed decision-making and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities to handle multiple priorities efficiently.
• Analytical problem-solving skills for proactively addressing HR challenges.
• Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving hospitality environment with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Preferably a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related fields, or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Proven track record of delivering HR services across the employee lifecycle in hospitality or similar fast-moving operational sectors.
• CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Generous leave entitlement with 25 days annual leave, 8 public holidays, plus 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year, and the option to purchase 5 extra days annually.
• Competitive pension scheme with 7.5% employer and minimum 5% employee contributions.
• Life assurance and income protection coverage.
• Private medical insurance covering employees, partners, and dependents, including hospital cash plan.
• Employee discounts and participation in an electric car program.
• Nursery salary sacrifice, cycle to work scheme, and family planning support.
• Neurodiversity assistance including advice and assessments, as well as coaching and therapy services.

Additional Information

• Applicants must have the legal right to work permanently in the UK, with willingness to travel as needed; sponsorship may be considered individually.
• Candidates should reside in or be willing to relocate close to Oxford.