At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the full employee lifecycle and assist with HR processes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join an award-winning catering business focused on people development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, 25 days holiday, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Experience a vibrant workplace with team events and well-being support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career in a supportive team that values your contributions.
- Qualifications: Organised, detail-oriented, and strong communication skills are essential.
Are you looking to build your HR career within a fast-growing, award-winning catering business?
Due to continued company growth, we have an exciting opportunity for an HR Assistant to join our Human Resources team at Accent Catering. This is a key support role within a busy, fast-paced People function, offering the chance to gain hands-on experience across the full employee lifecycle within a growing and successful organisation. Working closely with the HR Manager and wider HR team, you will play a vital role in supporting recruitment, onboarding, and HR processes, with a strong focus on compliance and safeguarding.
You will act as the first point of contact for onboarding and HR queries and ensure all pre-employment checks and employee records are accurate, complete, and maintained in line with safer recruitment standards. This role is ideal for someone who is organised, detail-focused, and enjoys supporting people in a busy HR function, ensuring employees and managers receive a smooth and professional service.
You will be joining a supportive team where accuracy, compliance, and a strong people experience are at the heart of everything we do. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their HR career within a supportive environment, where you will gain broad exposure across HR operations, systems, and compliance.
Benefits of working with Accent as an HR Assistant:
- Competitive salary with annual review
- Annual performance bonus
- Free on-site parking
- Life insurance, company sick pay and pension
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Career development opportunities and study support
- Multiple Discounts on our Accent Engage platform - shops, restaurants, gifts, leisure and more
- HIT apprenticeships for all experience levels
- Team events, awards and competitions throughout the year
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing and financial support
As our HR Assistant, you will be:
- Supporting the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, changes, and leavers
- Acting as the first point of contact for onboarding and other HR queries
- Managing safer recruitment checks including DBS, references, and vetting
- Completing right to work checks and maintaining visa documentation
- Issuing offer letters, contracts, and onboarding paperwork
- Maintaining accurate employee records across HR systems (e.g. Cascade, Webonboarding, Mapal One)
- Managing the HR inbox and responding to employee and manager queries
- Supporting HR meetings by taking notes (disciplinaries, grievances, absence reviews)
- Coordinating training enrolment and maintaining training records
- Running HR reports and supporting audits, compliance checks, and data accuracy
- Supporting TUPE onboarding activity and employee queries
- Handling reference requests and general HR administration
- Supporting HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives
What you will bring:
- High level of organisation with strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong communication skills with confidence across all levels of the business
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Experience working in a busy administrative or HR environment (desirable)
- Confidence using HR systems and onboarding platforms
- Understanding of safer recruitment processes including DBS, references, and right-to-work checks (desirable)
- Positive, proactive and professional approach with strong teamwork skills
- Experience of dealing with employee queries in a helpful and professional manner
- CIPD Level 3 (or working towards) is desirable
About Accent Catering... We are an ambitious and ever-growing fresh food company, providing innovative food service solutions to a variety of Schools and Businesses. With turnover in excess of £55m, more than 1,400 employees, and operations across over 170 catering sites, we have won numerous awards for our service, including The Caterer’s prestigious Best Places to Work in Hospitality. At Accent we’re passionate about food quality and people development, making this a fantastic place to build your career in a supportive and professional environment. We are independently owned, so you’ll never be just another number to us - our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in recognising every individual’s contribution.
SALARY £28K per annum plus bonus
HOURS 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
LOCATION Based at our prestigious riverside offices in Staines-upon-Thames.
Apply now and join our Award Winning team!
HR Assistant in Staines employer: Accent Catering
Accent Catering is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where employees are valued and supported in their professional growth. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a strong focus on career development, this award-winning catering business provides a unique opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced environment while making meaningful contributions to the team. Located in the picturesque riverside offices of Staines-upon-Thames, employees enjoy a collaborative atmosphere that prioritises well-being and recognition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant in Staines
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Accent Catering!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Accent Catering.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant in Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Accent Catering. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Accent Catering and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Accent Catering. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Accent Catering's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accent Catering
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Accent Catering.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Accent Catering will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Accent Catering and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
