HR Officer

Imagine an HR Officer who oversees a bustling team of approximately 400 individuals. This person is the first point of contact for any queries or support, confidently navigating through various communication channels such as telephone calls, Teams meetings, and site visits. They interact seamlessly with a diverse range of age groups, offering assistance and guidance with a friendly and approachable demeanour. Despite their self-assured nature, they are never hesitant to seek advice from senior HR professionals when needed. As a true team player, they are always ready to chip in and support their colleagues, fostering a collaborative and proactive environment. This HR Officer builds strong relationships with everyone, from senior leaders to volunteers, ensuring thorough and effective support across the board - Does this resonate with you? Are you the HR Officer we're looking for? 

Annual Salary: £33,000 - £35,000 Location: Chelmsford, Essex Job Type: FTC 18 Months

Day-to-day of the role:

• Collaborate with the Programme Management Office to identify HR requirements before job vacancies are advertised.
• Provide first-line HR support on recruitment, selection, and appointment processes, adhering to employment law, HR best practices, and the Safer Recruitment Guidance.
• Offer advice on general employment matters including family-friendly leave, grievance, disciplinary actions, investigations, sickness absence, staff welfare, restructuring, and redundancy.
• Recognize when to escalate complex HR matters to the HR Adviser or HR Manager.
• Support the HR Team with general HR workload and participate in wider HR team projects and initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to Data Protection, confidentiality, health and safety, and safeguarding principles.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Entry-level qualification in HR or working towards one (e.g., Level 3 Certificate in People Practice) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Proven experience in a first-line HR advisory role or a related HR support role.
• Understanding of recruitment principles and experience in providing administrative support or first-line advice in recruitment.
• Experience in handling HR administration processes and working in a small, high-functioning team, ideally within an HR environment.
• Ability to provide policy advice, assess risks, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to build effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly organized, yet flexible to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Willingness to travel occasionally across Essex for business purposes.
• Proficient in MS Office and Teams, including PowerPoint and media/marketing-based software platforms.

Benefits:

• Flexible & Hybrid Working, including from commencement of employment
• 35 hour working week (full time)
• Enrolment in pension scheme (non-contributory scheme with an 11% contribution by the Board),
• In service life cover of three times annual salary
• 25 days Annual Leave plus 8 public holidays pro rata. (rising to 29 days after 5 years continuous service)
• Employee Assistance Programme, with access to 24/7 helpline and counselling  
• Family friendly policies, including enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Shared Parental leave and pay
• City Centre Location with good transport links, free on-site car parking