Overview
HR Advisor – Fishergate, Norwich, Norfolk, Norfolk, NR3 1SJ
Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!
Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us
We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role
We are seeking a proactive and people-focused HR Advisor. This permanent role is based in Norwich and will support three sites: Fishergate, Jupiter Road, and Windrush (Oxford).
You will play a key role in delivering a high-quality, responsive HR service, supporting managers and employees in all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site environment and is passionate about making a positive impact through HR best practices, employee engagement, and continuous improvement. You will also contribute to strategic initiatives that foster a culture of learning, leadership development, and talent growth.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for HR queries, providing guidance to employees and managers across all sites.
- Ensure HR policies and procedures are applied consistently and updated in line with employment law and best practice.
- Advise managers on employee relations including disciplinary, grievance, performance, and absence management.
- Coordinate recruitment: drafting adverts, liaising with agencies, arranging interviews, issuing contracts, and managing pre-employment checks.
- Support onboarding and offboarding, including inductions and exit interviews.
- Champion employee engagement and contribute to culture-building efforts.
- Promote wellbeing initiatives and an inclusive workplace culture.
- Analyse HR metrics (turnover, absence, engagement) to identify trends and support decisions.
- Encourage a learning culture through coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities.
- Support organisational change programmes and ensure employees are supported through transitions.
- Work closely with the Divisional HR Manager and HR team to provide consistent HR support.
- Contribute to divisional projects that enhance employee experience and effectiveness.
- Liaise with payroll regarding starters, leavers, changes, and absence.
- Your job title does not limit your duties, and you may be required to undertake other tasks within your capability.
- You will be required to travel to Windrush, Oxford, and other sites as needed.
What we’re looking for
Knowledge & Skills
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Strong understanding of HR policies, procedures, and UK Employment Law.
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Confident in advising, coaching, and influencing managers at all levels.
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
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Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
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Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with a pragmatic approach.
Experience
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Previous experience in a generalist HR role, supporting the full employee lifecycle.
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Proven track record of managing multiple ER cases (disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance).
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Recruitment coordination experience.
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Supporting training and development activities, including inductions and compliance training.
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Contributing to employee engagement and development initiatives.
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Providing managers with advice in line with policy and employment law.
Qualifications
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CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.