HR Assistant

Job Description

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: HR Assistant

Job Purpose

The HR Assistant provides comprehensive administrative and transactional support across a range of Human Resources and payroll activities. Acting as the first point of contact for HR-related enquiries, the post holder will support the employee lifecycle, maintain accurate HR records and systems, and ensure compliance with organisational policies, employment legislation, and GDPR requirements.

The role is focused on delivering excellent customer service to employees, managers, and external stakeholders while supporting HR operations, payroll processes, reporting requirements, and HR projects. The position offers opportunities to develop HR knowledge and progressively provide advice and guidance on routine HR matters.

Key Responsibilities

HR Administration

• Provide administrative support across all HR functions.
  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and personnel files.
  
• Prepare HR correspondence including contracts, offer letters, amendment letters, and other employee documentation.
  
• Ensure HR systems and databases are updated accurately and promptly.
  

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Process employee lifecycle transactions, including:
  
• New starters
  
• Leavers
  
• Contract changes
  
• Transfers
  
• Promotions
  
• Changes to personal details
  
• Ensure all employee records are maintained in accordance with company procedures and statutory requirements.
  
• Support onboarding and induction processes for new employees.
  

Payroll Support

• Assist with the preparation and submission of payroll information.
  
• Process payroll-related changes accurately and within deadlines.
  
• Liaise with payroll teams to resolve employee payroll queries.
  
• Ensure payroll data is accurate and compliant with procedures.
  

Customer Service & Employee Support

• Act as the first point of contact for HR enquiries from employees and managers.
  
• Provide accurate and timely information on HR policies, procedures, and processes.
  
• Escalate complex HR issues to appropriate HR colleagues when required.
  
• Deliver a professional, customer-focused HR service.
  

HR Systems & Reporting

• Maintain HR databases and management information systems.
  
• Produce routine HR reports and management information.
  
• Monitor data quality and ensure accuracy of HR records.
  
• Support reporting relating to absence, turnover, recruitment, and other HR metrics.
  

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, data protection legislation, and confidentiality requirements.
  
• Maintain and securely store employee records.
  
• Support compliance with employment legislation, HR policies, and organisational procedures.
  
• Assist with audits and compliance reviews as required.
  

HR Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Support HR projects and initiatives as required.
  
• Contribute to process improvements and service development activities.
  
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
  
• Support wider HR team objectives and operational priorities.
  

Essential Experience

• Experience working in an administrative, HR, payroll, or customer service environment.
  
• Experience maintaining records and managing confidential information.
  
• Experience providing administrative support to a team or department.
  
• Experience responding to customer or employee enquiries.
  
• Experience using databases, HR systems, or business management systems.
  

Desirable Experience

• Previous HR Administration or HR Assistant experience.
  
• Experience supporting payroll processes.
  
• Experience working within a Shared Service or busy HR environment.
  
• Experience producing reports and management information.
  
• Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, or employee lifecycle processes.
  

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including:
  
• English
  
• Mathematics
  

Desirable Qualifications

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice (or working towards).
  
• Qualification in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
  

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of HR administration processes and employee lifecycle activities.
  
• Understanding of confidentiality, GDPR, and data protection requirements.
  
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
  
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise workloads effectively.
  
• Excellent customer service skills.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
  
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  

Personal Attributes

• Professional and approachable.
  
• Customer-focused.
  
• Highly organised and proactive.
  
• Reliable and trustworthy.
  
• Detail-oriented and accurate.
  
• Team player with a collaborative approach.
  
• Adaptable and willing to learn.
  
• Committed to continuous professional development.
  

Additional Information

• Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH, United Kingdom.
  
• Working Hours: 36 hours per week.
  
• Pay Rate: £22.78 per hour (Limited Company/Umbrella).
  
• Contract Type: Temporary/Agency Contract (subject to assignment details).
  
• Working Pattern: Hybrid working arrangement, subject to service requirements.
  
• Reporting To: HR Operations Manager / HR Services Team Leader.
  
• Systems: SAP Payroll, HR Information Systems (HRIS), Microsoft Office Suite, and related HR platforms.
  
• Key Responsibilities: Supporting HR and payroll operations, employee lifecycle administration, SAP Payroll transactions, data maintenance, and employee query resolution.
  
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular interaction with employees, managers, payroll teams, and external service providers.
  
• Compliance Requirements: Adherence to GDPR, data protection legislation, employment legislation, payroll regulations, and organisational policies and procedures.
  
• Working Environment: Fast-paced HR Operations environment requiring strong attention to detail, confidentiality, accuracy, and excellent customer service skills.
  
• Performance Expectations: Accurate and timely processing of HR and payroll transactions, maintenance of employee records, delivery of high-quality customer service, and achievement of service level agreements (SLAs).
  
• Development Opportunities: Exposure to SAP Payroll, HR systems administration, employee relations processes, HR compliance, and broader Human Resources operations, with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
  
• Confidentiality: The role involves handling sensitive employee and payroll data and requires strict adherence to confidentiality and information security standards.
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

· Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged

Requirements
HR Assistant & Recruitment