HR Coordinator in Chelmsford

We are looking for an organised, proactive and people-focused HR Coordinator to support the day-to-day HR operations across a group of businesses under shared ownership. This is a varied, hands-on, office-based role covering the full employee lifecycle, offered on a fixed-term maternity cover basis, with the possibility of a permanent position. The role has a focus on HR administration, employee support and providing practical HR guidance to managers.

Responsibilities will include:

• Onboarding, preparing employment contracts, maintaining employee records, responding to employee queries and coordinating general HR processes.
• Involvement in day-to-day employee relations, supporting managers with matters such as sickness absence, attendance, performance and other routine employee issues.
• Comfortable dealing with employees and managers directly, providing practical guidance, helping manage processes and preparing relevant documentation.

The ideal candidate will have previous HR experience, strong organisational skills and the confidence to manage a varied workload across several businesses. You will be approachable, commercially aware and comfortable handling confidential and sometimes sensitive employee matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• HR Administration and Employee Lifecycle: Coordinate onboarding for new starters, including contracts, Right to Work checks and pre-employment documentation. Prepare employment contracts, offer letters, contract variations and other employee correspondence. Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HR systems and personnel files are kept up to date. Process employee changes and coordinate leaver administration. Support annual leave, sickness absence, payroll changes and general employee queries.
• Employee Relations and Manager Support: Work directly with managers to support day-to-day employee relations matters, including sickness absence, attendance, performance and conduct issues. Provide practical HR guidance to managers, helping them understand and follow the appropriate processes. Support absence management, including return-to-work processes, monitoring attendance and identifying issues requiring further action. Assist with the coordination and handling of employee meetings, including investigations, disciplinary and performance-related meetings where appropriate. Prepare relevant HR correspondence, meeting documentation and outcome letters. Maintain accurate records of employee relations matters and elevate complex or sensitive issues where necessary. Support the consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the group.
• HR Systems, Reporting and Payroll: Maintain employee information within BrightHR, including onboarding, absence management and employee records. Assist with HR reporting, spreadsheets and employee data. Support payroll administration by providing timely information on starters, leavers, salary changes and absence. Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and record-keeping.

About You: We are looking for someone who is organised, approachable and reliable, with excellent attention to detail and the confidence to communicate effectively with employees and managers at all levels. You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in an HR Administrator, HR Assistant, HR Coordinator or similar HR role.
• Practical experience supporting employee relations matters, including absence management, attendance, performance or conduct issues.
• Confidence communicating directly with employees and managers about sometimes sensitive or challenging matters.
• A good understanding of HR processes and UK employment law.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional HR correspondence and documentation.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Excel, and the ability to use HR systems effectively.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to take ownership of tasks and elevate matters when needed.

Desirable, but Not Essential:

• Experience using BrightHR or a similar HR information system.
• Experience supporting payroll administration.
• A CIPD qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.
• Experience working within or supporting a childcare, nursery or early years business.

What We Offer: A varied HR role supporting a group of businesses, with exposure to a broad range of HR activities. The opportunity to develop your HR and employee relations experience while working closely with managers. A supportive working environment where your contribution will make a real difference. Opportunities for learning and professional development. Employee discounts and special offers across our group of brands. The potential for a permanent position following the maternity cover period.