HR Advisor

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.

 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.

• 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.