At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality People services and support the full colleague lifecycle.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Canal & River Trust, focused on positive colleague experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and various employee benefits.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; perfect for those who thrive on organisation and detail.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while enjoying flexible working options and career progression.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in HR, strong knowledge of employment legislation, and excellent data skills.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 31000 £ per year.
We’re excited to welcome a new People Service Specialist to our People Operations team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on delivering a high-quality support service, enjoys working with data and systems, and is passionate about creating a positive colleague experience.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows a 37‑hour, Monday–Friday working pattern, with flexible working options available. The role is primarily home‑based, with occasional travel to Trust locations and meetings as required.
Role Overview
In this exciting opportunity, you will play a pivotal role in delivering efficient, compliant, and high-quality People services. You’ll support the full colleague lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to maintaining accurate records and supporting payroll processes, ensuring our colleagues and managers receive a seamless and professional service.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, efficient People services across the full colleague lifecycle
- Maintain accurate and compliant People data across systems, including Dayforce
- Act as a trusted point of contact for colleagues and managers, resolving complex queries within defined SLAs
- Support recruitment, onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a seamless colleague experience
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, GDPR and internal People policies including completing Right to Work & DBS checks
- Administer third party platforms including colleague benefits such as private medical insurance, cycle to work and reward schemes
- Produce and interpret People data and metrics to identify trends and support decision-making
- Support payroll processes through accurate data collation and verification of changes
- Contribute to continuous improvement through involvement in People projects, systems and process enhancements
- Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced People professional with a strong understanding of HR operations, systems, and employment legislation. You’ll be highly organised, confident working with data, and able to balance competing priorities while delivering an excellent service to colleagues and managers.
Skills & Qualifications
- Significant experience within a People/HR function (typically 3+ years)
- Strong knowledge of employment legislation and payroll processes, including associated calculations
- Advanced Excel and strong numerical/data analysis skills
- Experience using HR systems such as Dayforce and reporting tools
- Ability to produce and interpret reports to identify trends and insights
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and advise
- Ability to work independently and make decisions within defined parameters
- Experience managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
- High level of discretion when handling confidential information
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer a salary of £31,000 with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
People Services Specialist employer: Canal & River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being and development of our colleagues. With a flexible working environment primarily based from home, we offer a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our competitive salary, generous benefits package, and opportunities for career progression make us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the People Services field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Services Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the People Services Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common HR scenarios. Think about how you would handle complex queries or support recruitment processes, as these are key in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your data skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to produce and interpret reports, which is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace People Services Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the People Services Specialist role. Highlight your experience in HR operations, data management, and any relevant systems like Dayforce. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about creating a positive colleague experience and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since this role involves working with data, don’t forget to showcase your numerical and analytical skills. Mention any specific tools or methods you've used to interpret data and support decision-making. We’re all about making informed choices!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HR operations, employment legislation, and payroll processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific systems mentioned in the job description, like Dayforce, so you can confidently discuss how you've used similar tools in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since this role involves working with data and metrics, be prepared to talk about your experience with data analysis. Bring examples of reports you've produced or trends you've identified that led to improvements in your previous positions. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you handle complex queries or manage multiple priorities. Think of specific situations from your past where you successfully resolved issues or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
As a People Services Specialist, your ability to communicate effectively is key. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with colleagues and managers, and how you've contributed to a positive colleague experience. Highlight any initiatives you've led that promoted diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
