HR Officer

Purpose

The HR Officer will play a key role in supporting the HR Business Partner in the delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of the HR function. Acting as a first point of contact for HR-related queries to provide proactive HR support across the employee lifecycle to ensure smooth HR operations and contribute to a positive employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the full recruitment process including advertising, shortlisting, scheduling interviews and preparing offer documentation.
• Manage onboarding processes for new starters, ensuring compliance and a smooth transition into the organisation and deliver engaging inductions.
• Maintain and report contractor hours to the agencies for approval and payment purposes.
• Support in employee relations matters, including notetaking, investigations and facilitating hearings while maintaining confidentiality.
• Lead on compliance adherence and make recommendations in line with best practice.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees on HR policies, procedures and best practices.
• Assist with absence and attendance management, ensuring policy compliance and record management.
• Support the planning of employee training and development initiatives.
• Coordinate and conduct probation review meetings with managers to assess performance and development needs.
• Conduct exit interviews and provide feedback to help inform retention and employee engagement strategies.
• Ensure all employee data and records (e.g., sickness, benefits, personal details, employment changes, maternity/paternity leave) are updated and maintained accurately in HR systems.
• Provide flexible support across the HR team, covering for colleagues where necessary and adapting priorities to meet team objectives.
• Undertake any other HR-related duties as required to support the wider business objectives.

Key Performance Measures

• Timely and accurate delivery of recruitment, onboarding, and other HR administration.
• Positive feedback from employees and managers on HR support provided.
• Compliance with internal HR processes and employment legislation in a timely and accurate measure.
• Timely and professional resolution of HR queries and issues.
• Support and delivery of HR initiatives aligned with business goals.

Knowledge, Education, Skills and Experience

Knowledge:

Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Sound understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices.

Working knowledge of HRIS or employee database systems is desirable.

Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Education:

CIPD Level 5 qualification or working towards it.

Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (desirable).

Skills and competencies required:

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Excellent planning, coordination, and organisational skills.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Professional, approachable, and customer-focused demeanour.

Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively in a busy environment.

Integrity, reliability, and a strong sense of confidentiality.

Professional experience:

Prior experience in an HR Officer, HR Assistant, or HR Administrative role.

Experience in a manufacturing or operational environment is advantageous but not essential.

Exposure to generalist HR activities across the employee lifecycle.

Other material requirements, such as working arrangements, travel requirements

• Flexibility to work additional hours occasionally to meet business needs.
• Occasional travel to other sites may be required.

What we offer

25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays.

Generous employer pension contributions.

Early finish on Fridays.

Cycle to work scheme.

Life assurance.

Simply Health including 24/7 GP services, dental, and optician support (with optional enhancements for family members).