The Role
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We currently have a Lead People Services Advisor position available for a motivated individual to join our People team in Exeter.
Joining us on a Permanent Full time Contract, you will receive a competitive salary of £35,000 - £40,000 per annum plus excellent benefits.
About the role:
The Lead People Services Advisor is responsible for delivering an effective advisory service on people matters across the breadth of People & Culture activity for all levels of colleagues and leaders across the Pennon Group and providing expert solutions as appropriate. Acting as the first point of contact into the People team, this role is responsible for providing a high value service within agreed service level agreements, guiding leaders as required, and managing the Group’s joiners, movers, leavers processes across the employee lifecycle. This role will also own continuous improvement across all People Services activity ensuring a value-added service for the business.
What you'll be doing:
- Be an advisor and coach to leadership and play a critical role in enhancing their effectiveness.
- Challenge the status quo and continue to develop ideas, benchmarking against best practice and industry standards.
- Provide insightful data to guide decision making and provide proactive solutions.
- Work with the Head’s of People and Centre’s of Expertise to deliver a high-value service to the business.
- Manage HR documentation confidentially and in-line with the Data Protection Act, maintaining integrity of electronic/hard copy files and document storage and complying with audit requests.
- Actively look to seek ways of working that protect our business and minimise risk whilst working within the framework of our policies and processes.
- Support Line Managers and the wider People team to minimise the risks associated with HR activity by ensuring steps are taken to address root cause issues, to prevent re-occurrence of similar situations through coaching, challenging and guiding our Managers.
- Takes initiative to resolve issues before they escalate and always looks for practical, people-centered solutions.
- Support the delivery of HR-led initiatives and changes affecting the People Services activity including restructures, training rollouts, and engagement activity.
- Provide day-to-day HR support and advice to the wider People Services team.
What we are looking for:
- Significant experience as a generalist HR practitioner in an advisory capacity across the breadth of the employee lifecycle and HR activity.
- High level of skill in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Forms).
- Have strong organisation and planning skills.
- Be able to manage a high volume, varied workload with conflicting priorities and able to prioritise effectively.
- Have a full understanding of the principles of a generalist HR role including, but not limited to recruitment, disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, TUPE, absence capability, performance.
- Have a sound level of employment law knowledge. A demonstrable interest in current UK employment legislation and case law.
- CIPD Level 5 or working towards
- Any other HR related qualification
- Project Management qualification
What's in it for you:
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
- In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
Closing date for applications: 20th June 2025
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
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The Company
What We Do
South West Water is part of Pennon Group plc. We provide reliable, efficient and high quality drinking water and waste water services throughout Cornwall and Devon and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset. We also look after the region's bathing waters and coastline.
South West Water came into being in 1989 with the privatisation of the water industry. We inherited a water system suffering from a century of neglect but, thanks to the tireless work of our 1,300 employees, have brought the region's drinking water, sewerage systems and bathing waters into line with the stringent UK and European Union standards.
This extensive programme of environmental improvement has resulted in some of the finest bathing waters in Europe, picturesque scenery and clean rivers with stunning wildlife.
We believe that by investing in the future of our region, we are not only improving the quality of life for today's residents and visitors but are also taking responsibility for future generations.
