Human Resources Officer

I am recruiting for this HR Officer position on behalf of one of my clients so this role is NOT at Reignite Purpose but for a University based in East London. 

A progressive university, breaking into the top 350 educational institutions in the world in 2017, and maintaining its place ever since.

At ARU London, we pride ourselves first and foremost on the experiences and development of our both our teams and students. We try to enhance experiences and development through our support and teaching. 

With a great location and access to facilities; situated in the heart of the Docklands in East London, the offices and environment support high performing teams and create a culture of belonging and engagement.

Purpose:     The Human Resources Officer provides professional and proactive HR support across the university, delivering a comprehensive range of HR services. The role is responsible for managing first-line HR queries, supporting recruitment and employee lifecycle processes, and advising on formal HR procedures including disciplinary and grievance matters. The postholder will ensure compliance with employment legislation and university policies while contributing to an effective and responsive HR service.

Key Responsibilities Include:

HR Advisory & Employee Relations

• Act as a first point of contact for HR-related queries, providing accurate and timely advice to staff and managers
• Provide guidance on HR policies, procedures, and best practice
• Support and advise managers on employee relations matters, including absence management, performance, and conduct
• Assist in managing formal HR processes, including disciplinary, grievance, and capability procedures
• Prepare documentation, attend hearings where appropriate, and ensure processes are conducted in line with policy and legal requirements

·       Liaise and respond to team members and any stakeholders in a timely, articulate and professional manner.

HR Administration & Systems

·       Work collaboratively with the HR Administrator to ensure efficient delivery of HR administrative processes

·       Oversee and support the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date employee records for all staff, including permanent, temporary, and part-time employees

·       Ensure HR systems and databases are updated and compliant with data protection regulations

·       Review and authorise HR documentation such as contracts, offer letters, and contractual changes where necessary

·       Monitor HR data and produce reports as required

Recruitment & Onboarding

·       Support end-to-end recruitment campaigns in partnership with the HR Administrator

·       Advise managers on recruitment best practices and processes

·       Support the department when necessary to coordinate and oversee job postings, shortlisting, and interview arrangements

·       Ensure pre-employment checks including right to work and references are completed within the department

·       Support and enhance onboarding processes to ensure a positive candidate experience

HR Processes & Compliance

·       Ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the university

·       Support probation, appraisal, and contract renewal processes

·       Ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal policies

·       Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR processes

Employee and Management Support

·       Act as a first point of contact for HR-related queries from staff and managers

·       Provide guidance on basic HR policies and procedures

·       Support employee lifecycle activities, including starters, movers, and leavers

Team Support

·       Work collaboratively with the HR Administrator and wider HR team to deliver HR initiatives and projects

·       Support the HR Business Partner with complex people projects and HR projects

·       Provide guidance and support to the HR Administrator on more complex queries and processes

·       Support organisational change processes where required

·       Contribute to HR reporting, audits, and strategic workforce planning activities

Additional Duties

·       Undertake project work as requested and within reason.

·       This description is a broad outline of the role, and it is expected that key tasks will vary with demand and any change in business requirements or method of operation.

Key Performance Indicators

·       HR KPIs achieved.

·       Other Key Performance Indicators to be determined and communicated each year depending on objectives and HR plans.

Compliance & Governance

·       Always ensure confidentiality and discretion.

·       Maintain accurate and confidential data in a secure manger, compliant and following GDPR, (General Data Protection Regulations).

Other Responsibilities

·       Contribute to the overall goals and performance of the company. Ensuring that teams are cohesive and relevant communication shared with the team.

·       The role may involve supporting peak periods of HR activity

·       Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential

·       Adherence to data protection and confidentiality policies is mandatory

Essential Requirements

·       Successful administrative experience; ability to communicate accurately and effectively in verbal and written English, with excellent demeanour and people skills.

·       Proven experience in an HR role, ideally although not essential that it is within a complex organisation such as higher education or the public sector

·       Experience handling employee relations matters and supporting formal HR procedures

·       Sound knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices

·       Strong organisational skills with attention to detail

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

·       Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR systems

Preferred Requirements

·       CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards)

·       Experience in a university or public sector environment

·       Experience supporting organisational change or HR projects

·       Familiarity with HR systems such as People HR, Workday, or SAP

·       Problem-solving and decision-making

·       Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion

·       Team collaboration and stakeholder engagement

·       Time management and prioritisation

Please let me know if you require a more accessible Job Description or any adjustments and considerations to be able to apply or carry out this position.  

This salary is offered at a salary of £45,000 gross per annum for full time employment. Working hours are 9am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday. 

This role will be a new position in the University HR Team and be part of supporting the implementation of benefits and enhancing the employee experience. 

Currently no additional benefits to statutory although plans to review and opportunity to contribute and be part of the change in culture and employee experience.