Process Improvement Adviser

Process Improvement Adviser

Fixed Term – 12 months

Benefits:

Salary: £33,699 - £38,220 per annum, Grade 4

Hours: Full Time - 37 hours per week

Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading

Excellent annual leave allowance of 28 days, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available

Other information about our benefits can be found here

This vacancy falls under eligibility criteria for the

‘Employee Referral Scheme’

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in a fixed term Process Improvement Adviser role, supporting key HR and payroll improvement activity.

The role of the HR Process Improvement Adviser is to review how HR and payroll tasks are delivered and identify ways to make them more efficient. The post focuses on improving processes by working collaboratively with the HR team, ICT and the wider Service, making effective use of technology, automation and data.

Initially, the focus of the role will be on supporting the changes with the new payroll system and working alongside the project team on prioritised process reviews and improvements, helping to ensure HR and payroll processes are efficient, consistent and aligned with Service needs.

About you:

You will be a motivated individual with a strong interest in process improvement, systems and data, and a practical, solutions focused approach to work. You will enjoy working collaboratively with others, analysing how things are done, and supporting the design and implementation of better ways of working.

You will bring experience of working with HR or payroll systems, confidence using Microsoft 365 and automation tools, and the ability to analyse data to recommend improvements.

The key focus of this role (Key Responsibilities and Deliverables) is:

Supporting project work, including payroll project phase two improvements and benefits realisation work

Working with HR and payroll systems to identify improvements that streamline processes, reduce manual intervention and enhance the employee and manager experience

Analysing data to recommend better ways of working, improved use of resources and efficiencies

Mapping HR and payroll processes to identify opportunities for simplification, consistency and better integration across the employee lifecycle

Collaborating with ICT and system suppliers to support the development and implementation of system changes aligned with HR service priorities

Ensuring data integrity, compliance and good information retention practices are embedded within HR and payroll processes

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and automation tools

Experience using HR systems

Proficiency in data analysis, reporting tools and process mapping

Ability to support workflow design within HR and payroll systems

Ability to create dashboards, reports or automated alerts

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong attention to detail with the ability to organise and prioritise workloads

Ability to analyse and interpret data and work confidently with a range of software systems

Application and selection process

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached on application.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position, click Apply Now

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification

Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

For further details about the role please contact Emma Scott, Senior HR Adviser Service Provision at (url removed) to arrange an informal discussion.

If you have any queries about the application process or to discuss any adaptations or adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application or with our promotion process please contact Amanda Gavin at (url removed) or by phone (phone number removed) for an informal discussion.

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CV’s without an accompanying application form.

Closing date for applications is 17:00 hours 23 April 2026

It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will run week commencing 27 April 2026.

Anticipated start date: as soon as possible

Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement

Our Commitments:

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

To find out more: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement on application