Are you an HR professional looking for a varied generalist role where you can make a real difference? We are seeking a proactive HR Advisor to join our friendly HR team at Hillier on a fixed‑term contract of 12 months, commencing at the end of September 2026, to cover maternity leave. This part‑time role offers the opportunity to contribute across a broad range of HR activity while taking the lead on employee relations across the business.
In this role, you will work closely with managers and colleagues across our nurseries, garden centres and support functions, providing practical, confident and people‑focused HR advice. Alongside leading on employee relations matters such as conduct, capability, absence management and informal resolution, you will support wider HR activity including policy guidance, people processes, manager support, continuous improvement and HR projects. It is an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong HR foundation who enjoys variety, wants to take ownership of casework and is ready to grow as a trusted generalist HR advisor.
This is a part‑time position working up to 30 hours per week, ideally over four days, though we are happy to consider fewer hours or alternative working patterns. There is some flexibility for home working of up to one day per week, subject to business needs. You will be based at our Support Centre in Ampfield, Hampshire, and must be able to commute to this location. Travel to other business sites will be required; pool cars are available for business travel.
The role offers a salary of up to £36,700 per annum (pro‑rata), dependent on experience.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading on employee relations casework across a varied and people‑focused business
- Providing clear, practical and commercially aware HR advice to managers on policies, procedures and people matters
- Supporting a broad range of HR activity, including absence management, performance, conduct, capability, wellbeing and manager guidance
- Helping to improve HR processes, templates and ways of working to ensure managers receive clear, consistent and timely support
- Assisting the Head of HR with wider HR and business projects, including activity linked to business acquisitions
- Attending in‑person meetings across sites to support casework and resolution
- Contributing to a collaborative HR team where you will be supported by experienced colleagues and encouraged to continue developing your generalist HR knowledge
About you
- Previous experience in a generalist HR role, with confidence supporting employee relations casework
- CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent) achieved or in progress
- A confident, professional and empathetic communication style, able to build trust with managers and colleagues
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, professional case‑related correspondence
- A genuine interest in broadening your generalist HR experience while developing deeper expertise in employee relations and employment practice
- Understanding of UK employment law and HR processes
- Ability to work independently and as part of a close‑knit team
- Flexibility to travel across sites when required, with access to a car; pool cars available for business travel
What we offer
- Competitive salary of up to £36,700 per annum (pro‑rata), depending on experience
- Life assurance at 4× annual salary
- Option to join enhanced group pension plan
- 20% employee discount across our centres
- 31 days’ annual leave (pro‑rata)
- Free on‑site parking
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family
- Free access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and cashback offers
- Free solo access to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, plus discounts at other gardens nationally
About Hillier
You will be joining a renowned and established family business with over 150 years of history. At Hillier, we are proud of our friendly, knowledgeable and passionate teams, and we place great value on the contribution each person makes to our ongoing success and growth. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive HR team in a business that combines heritage, ambition and a genuine people focus.
Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right‑to‑work status. Due to the nature of the role, we will complete a basic DBS check on the successful candidate, which will be funded by the Company.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
