At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the HR team with admin tasks and coordinate employee processes.
- Company: Join the UK's biggest port, vital for the economy and environmental protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, medical cash plan, pension, and discounts.
- Why this job: Gain HR experience in a fast-paced, supportive environment with a purpose-driven mission.
- Qualifications: Previous admin or HR support experience, strong attention to detail, and Microsoft Office skills.
- Other info: Remote work not available; must have rights to live and work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Department: Human Resources
Reporting to: Head of HR
Grade: 10
Salary: £31,192 per annum
Working pattern: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, 35 hours per week
Base: Gravesend, Kent
Closing date: 10th August 2025
Interview date: First stage interviews (via Teams) to be held on 19th August
Second stage interviews (F2F) to be held on 27th August
Who We Are
We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.
We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.
The Role
As our HR Team Assistant, you’ll be the backbone of our HR function – providing essential administrative support, helping coordinate employee processes and making sure our operations are efficient and effective. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your HR experience in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting the HR team with day-to-day administrative tasks
- Managing HR documentation, databases and filing systems
- Assisting with recruitment, on-boarding and induction processes
- Coordinating meetings, interviews and taking minutes
- Maintaining confidentiality while handling sensitive employee data
What We Are Looking For
- Previous experience in administration or HR support role
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
- Confident communicator, both written and verbal
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- A pro-active can-do attitude
In Return, We Offer a Competitive Benefits Package
- 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
- Generous pension
- Onsite parking with electric charging
- Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
- Access to MyGymDiscounts
For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Jemma Jeffery, Head of HR at jemma.jeffery@pla.co.uk
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient interest.
The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.
A thriving tidal Thames and home to the UK’s number one port.
We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea. #J-18808-Ljbffr
HR Team Assistant employer: Port of London Authority
Contact Detail:
Port of London Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Team Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR processes and terminology used in the industry. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the organisation, especially those in HR roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for common HR scenarios that may come up during the interview, such as handling sensitive information or coordinating recruitment processes. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Office by being ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles. Highlighting specific examples can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Team Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in administration or HR support roles. Emphasise your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are key attributes the company is looking for.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your communication skills and explains why you are interested in the HR Team Assistant position. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description that excite you and how your background aligns with them.
Highlight Technical Skills: Since proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, ensure you mention your experience with Word, Excel, and Outlook. You could even provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to enhance your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Port of London Authority
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an HR Team Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate strong organisational skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing documentation and databases, and provide examples of how you've kept things running smoothly in previous roles.
✨Communicate Confidently
Effective communication is key in HR. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. You might be asked to explain how you would handle sensitive information, so think about your approach to confidentiality.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Office
Since proficiency in Microsoft Office is a requirement, brush up on your skills, especially in Word and Excel. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to support HR functions or administrative tasks.
✨Demonstrate a Proactive Attitude
Employers love candidates who take initiative. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond in your previous jobs. This could include streamlining processes or suggesting improvements that benefited your team.