People and Culture Officer

SUMMARY

We are actively seeking a dedicated and experienced People and Culture Officer to join our dynamic team at Nekton. This is an exciting opportunity that involves a diverse portfolio of responsibilities.

These include:

• Managing HR needs and requirements including recruitment, contracting, development and implementation of employment policies and processes, and conducting annual employee appraisals. 
• Developing and strengthening team culture around a fast-growing team working between office and home locations, including planning team events and development programmes.

Start: January/February 2025

Location: Hybrid, ideally including approx. 2 days per week at our Oxford area-based HQ.

Salary: £31-£34k per annum pro-rata, depending on experience and qualifications

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 3 flexible days per week

Reporting to: Head of Finance and Operations

Staff reporting to this post: None

Working with: All teams and HR Business Partner

Please note: Only applicants who are eligible and available to work in the UK immediately will be considered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Managing and developing team culture
• Dealing with all aspects of staff recruitment
• Collating required information for and setting up employment contracts and contract variation documents 
• Providing inductions for new staff and assisting with onboarding
• Keeping employment policies relevant and up to date, introducing new policies as appropriate to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations.
• Managing staff leave records, including records of Time Off in Lieu
• Recording and processing confidential information
• Distributing payslips and other payroll documents
• Managing pension enrolments
• Actioning internal and external inquiries and requests related to the HR department
• Coordinating with management to develop HR-related training and development programmes, workshops, and seminars
• Managing the Company’s appraisal process and cycle
• Coordinating with management for the development of employee development, health, mental health and wellbeing programmes.
• Coordinating with management to promote equality, health, and safety
• Ensuring employees have correct pay and benefits
• Handling any disciplinary processes and formal grievances
• Writing and submitting reports on general HR activities
• Continuously learning the latest HR best practices to improve workplace efficiency
• Liaising with Senior HR Business Advisers as required
• Adhoc HR requirements as needed

KEY ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, in a related field, or equivalent
• An affiliation with Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) or similar
• CIPD Level 5 or above or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a HR Officer role in a high growth organisation preferably in the scientific or charity sector
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to monitor your own performance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Sensitivity and understanding
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Enjoy working with people
• Collaborate closely with senior management to drive strategic initiatives and achieve organisational goals

Desirable:

• Proficiency in HR software and aptitude to learn new systems
• Ideally experience working in/with the charity sector
• Business management skills
• Understand strategies for enhancing employee satisfaction and retention
• Passionate about building a strong company culture

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position please send your cv with a covering letter, quoting reference NFPCO102024, explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this role by 24th November 2024. This role is open to UK-based applicants only. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.