People and Payroll Officer

Location : Lichfield Street Hours : 30 hours per week (4 days per week) Contract : Permanent Department : People & Culture Salary : £24,000 per annum (£30k full time Equivalent) At Emma Bridgewater, our values— Togetherness, Energy, Care, and Curiosity —guide everything we do. We’re looking for a People & Payroll Officer who shares these values and can bring a calm, organised, and thoughtful approach to this varied and rewarding role. About the Role This is a hybrid position within our People & Culture team, with responsibilities split between payroll administration (2 days per week) and employee lifecycle support (2 days per week) . It’s a role that requires precision, empathy, and the ability to adapt quickly when priorities shift. You’ll be the first point of contact for People and Payroll queries, and a key contributor to the smooth running of our internal processes—from payroll and absence management to flexible working and employee relations. Key Responsibilities Payroll (2 days per week) Coordinate and process weekly and monthly payrolls accurately and on time Ensure correct application of statutory payments (SSP, SMP, etc.) Maintain up-to-date payroll records in line with legal and organisational standards Liaise with finance and external providers to resolve payroll queries Support payroll-related audits and reporting Assist with the annual audit process People & Culture (2 days per week) Administer key people processes including absence management, flexible working, maternity / paternity leave, and disciplinary / grievance procedures Maintain accurate and confidential employee records Provide first-line support to employees and managers on HR-related queries Support performance and development processes, including sickness monitoring and training coordination Contribute to internal communication and engagement initiatives Provide guidance on company policies and ensure compliance with employment legislation Support the delivery of People & Culture projects and the wider People Plan Experience & Skills We’re looking for someone who brings : Experience in HR and / or payroll Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Excellent attention to detail and a methodical, process-driven approach Strong communication and interpersonal skills The ability to manage time effectively and re-prioritise when needed A positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn A collaborative spirit and a genuine care for people Desirable (but not essential) : Knowledge of HR and payroll systems CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience Payroll qualification Training & Development : We’re committed to supporting your growth. If you’re keen to develop your career in People & Culture, we can offer training towards a CIPD qualification , a payroll qualification , or both , depending on your interests and aspirations. Why Join Us? At Emma Bridgewater, we care deeply about how we work together. You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration , enthusiasm , and thoughtful attention to detail . We take pride in creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow.