Main Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive HR support across the employee lifecycle, ensuring the effective delivery of HR services and compliance with employment legislation and company policies. The HR Generalist will support recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll administration, benefits, training, and Health & Safety activities while working closely with managers and employees across the business. The role will also collaborate with HR and management teams across the Group, supporting colleagues in the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden to promote consistent HR practices and processes.
This role is temporary to cover a maternity leave with a duration of at least 9-12 months.
Duties and Responsibilities
Human Resources
- Coordinate/Support the end-to-end recruitment process, including advertising vacancies, arranging interviews, preparing offers, and onboarding new employees.
- Prepare employment contracts, offer packs, and employee correspondence.
- Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with GDPR.
- Support managers with probation reviews, performance reviews, appraisals, and employee development.
- Provide first-line HR advice and guidance to managers and employees on HR policies and employment matters, escalating complex issues where appropriate.
- Coordinate new starter inductions and support training and development initiatives.
- Administer employee benefits, including pensions, healthcare, life assurance, insurance, and salary sacrifice schemes.
- Manage holiday, absence, and attendance records.
- Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, forms, and employee documentation.
- Monitor changes in employment legislation and support the implementation of policy updates.
- Support employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
- Build effective working relationships with colleagues across the Group, providing HR support and collaborating with teams in France, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden to ensure consistent HR practices and processes.
Payroll Support
- Maintain HR records and payroll data accurately.
- Prepare and submit monthly payroll information to the external payroll provider.
- Liaise with Finance regarding payroll changes, commission, and employee updates.
- Respond to employee payroll queries.
- Administer pension contributions and liaise with pension providers.
- Ensure payroll records are accurate and submitted within required deadlines.
Health & Safety
- Support the implementation and maintenance of Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Assist with risk assessments and fire risk assessments.
- Coordinate Health & Safety training, including First Aiders and Fire Wardens.
- Monitor Health & Safety records and ensure statutory training remains up to date.
- Maintain first aid supplies and coordinate replenishment.
- Support compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company policies.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 qualification (or working towards).
- Previous experience in a generalist HR role.
- Good knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
- Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll administration, and benefits.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently as well as within a team.
- Professional, confidential, and approachable manner.
Desirable
- Experience supporting multi-site or international teams.
- Experience working with HRIS and payroll systems.
- Health & Safety knowledge or qualifications (e.g. IOSH, First Aid).
- Experience working with colleagues across European countries.