HR Advisor

Purpose of the role

We're looking for a committed and forward-thinking HR Advisor to join our Employee Relations Advisory team and play a key role in supporting ZSL's global conservation mission. As we launch our ambitious new People and Culture Strategy, this is an exciting time to join us and help shape a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Working closely with colleagues across the People Partnering team, you'll deliver expert HR advice and guidance across a wide range of employee relations matters, from casework and day-to-day queries to policy development and strategic projects.

This is a truly varied generalist role where no two days are the same, and your impact will be felt across the organisation, from our iconic zoos to our field conservation programmes around the world.

This is a hybrid role, based at either our Regent's Park (London) or Whipsnade Zoo site, with an expectation to work on-site two days per week. London based salary range - £36,750 to £40,000 Whipsnade based salary range - £33,600 to £35,532

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on Employee Relations Cases: Take the lead on a range of employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes, and absence management, ensuring cases are handled fairly, consistently, and in line with policy.
• Performance Management Support: Advise and coach managers on performance-related concerns, supporting them in designing and delivering effective performance improvement plans that promote growth and accountability.
• Champion Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): Actively contribute to strengthening ZSL's EDI agenda by staying informed on evolving legislation, social movements, and best practice. Bring this knowledge into day-to-day people practices and conversations.
• Drive Change and Organisational Development: Collaborate with colleagues across the HR team to support and deliver change management initiatives, organisational design programmes, and consultations across various business areas.
• Build Manager Capability: Help grow internal capability by delivering engaging individual or group learning sessions for managers on core people topics such as managing absence, providing feedback, and driving performance.

About You

• Proven experience in leading and supporting a wide range of employee relations cases.
• The ability to advise and guide managers to make informed decisions within policy frameworks and UK employment legislation.
• A strong awareness of and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Cultural sensitivity and a clear commitment to equal opportunities.
• In-depth knowledge of current UK employment law, including recent case law developments.
• Experience of working in HR within charity/INGO sector, higher education contexts (universities), or research institutions would be an advantage.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

About Us

We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Our vision and purpose - you'll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.
• Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL's life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest-free loan for eligible London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.