Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of experience, skills, and qualifications that demonstrate their capability to deliver high-quality HR consultancy services. Essential qualifications include proven experience as a generalist HR professional advising business owners or senior leaders, with a strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices. A commercially minded approach is vital, with the ability to weigh business costs against HR solutions effectively. Excellent communication skills are required to convey difficult messages clearly and confidently, without jargon. A solutions-oriented mindset, warmth, and personable nature are key traits that will enable success in building trusted relationships with clients. Candidates should be comfortable working in ambiguous situations, making sound judgments with incomplete information, and managing multiple client accounts simultaneously.

Desirable qualifications include CIPD Level 5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, though strong commercial experience and consultancy background can compensate. Experience working across various sectors, familiarity with psychometric assessment tools, and owning transport for client site visits are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Managing a portfolio of SME clients, serving as their primary HR contact and trusted advisor for day-to-day HR issues.
• Providing expert advice on employee relations, performance management, absence management, and employment law compliance.
• Collaborating closely with the recruitment team, supporting assessment processes, and developing recruitment strategies.
• Drafting, reviewing, and updating employment contracts, HR policies, and related documentation to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
• Handling complex or sensitive casework, including disciplinary procedures, grievances, TUPE transfers, and restructuring exercises, with confidence and professionalism.
• Working alongside the Director and wider team to share knowledge, develop your skills, and contribute to the continuous improvement of service delivery.
• Occasionally visiting client sites across Suffolk and other parts of the UK to provide in-person support and facilitate HR initiatives.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus linked directly to client satisfaction scores, rewarding relationship-building and service quality.
• Initial office-based training period in Ipswich, followed by flexible hybrid working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Being part of a small, expert team where your contributions are highly visible and valued.
• Engaging and varied work with no two days being the same, providing continuous learning opportunities.
• Opportunities to develop across the full spectrum of HR, recruitment, and learning & development activities.
• Direct access to the company's founder and leadership team, offering clear pathways for career growth and business involvement.

Equal Opportunity

Cottrell Moore Ltd is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated with fairness and respect. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to foster a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve and encourages a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.