HR Administrator

CFA are looking to appoint an experienced and motivated HR Administrator to cover a period of Maternity Leave. The role is set to begin from 1st September 2026, though an earlier start from the 10th or 17th August 2026 is possible for the right candidate. This fixed term position is expected to last for a period of 9 months, though there may be scope for this contract to be extended dependent on business needs. This role can be fully remote if required. However, we have offices in Cockenzie, Leeds, Milton Keynes and Musselburgh, so office, or even hybrid working can be arranged if this is preferred. Equipment for the role will be provided for the duration of the contract, including laptop, monitor, and mobile phone.

Skills and experience:

• You will be able to demonstrate a range of skills and experience as an HR Administrator, including administration of new contracts, extensions, sickness and absences, onboarding and leavers, and other general HR tasks.
• You will be familiar with the core requirements of practicing within UK employment law and guidance, and able to be a champion for equality, diversity, dignity and respect.
• The successful candidate will be able to work with a high degree of flexibility, organisational and time management skills and understand the need to prioritise tasks in response to changing day-to-day demands.
• Maintaining a professional, happy and motivated team is very important to us, so candidates will be able to demonstrate that they are conscientious, reliable, and supportive of colleagues at all levels.
• You will welcome the opportunity to develop your HR skills and monitor developments in employment law and how these may affect company practices.
• You will have access to CFA's membership of CIPD HR-Inform portal and the full range of resources available, as well as a professional external HR adviser as required.

This is a great opportunity to join a long-established and highly regarded company that prides itself on delivering quality services to clients, whilst providing continuous staff development and training opportunities. We are passionate about our people and archaeology, and we need you to be too.

Successful criteria include:

• Relevant degree level education in the UK desirable.
• A minimum of 2 years previous employment as an HR Administrator or other HR relevant role is essential.
• CIPD Qualification or working towards a CIPD Qualification is desirable though not essential.
• Positive and motivated work ethic with good organisational skills.
• Reliable and thorough in all aspects of task completion.
• An appreciation of inclusivity, diversity, and dignity and respect in the workplace.
• Microsoft Office skills.
• Meticulous and accurate data entry and verification.
• Experience using Cezanne or other HR software is desirable.

Key responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Day-to-day management of HR inbox and escalation of issues as appropriate.
• Ensuring confidentiality and compliance with UK GDPR.
• Maintaining accurate HR information and verification of data in company's HR system (Cezanne HR).
• Preparing offer letters, contracts of employment, contractual change letters and leavers letters as required, from established templates.
• Update CFA's internal calendars with periods of staff sickness and other absences.
• Liaising with staff in respect of periods of sickness and absence, and self-certification records.
• Maintaining Absence and Training Matrix, and oversight of in-house staff performance reviews.
• Providing confidential HR-related support and guidance to staff where necessary, whilst keeping within the scope of existing company policies.
• Updating CFA's Learning Management System (LMS) as required.
• Support with recruitment including uploading job ads where necessary and liaising with managers.
• Liaison with the wider Administration team with staff onboarding and offboarding.
• Company policy updates where required.
• Liaison with the payroll department to ensure an accurate payroll cycle in respect to new starters, leavers, absences, and staff salary changes.
• Arranging staff Occupational Health Assessments when required.
• Assisting with Right to Work checks when required.
• Use of in-house project management software to issue company-wide HR-related announcements and updates, and for tracking tasks.
• Inform CFA's senior management team of changes to law that may affect policy and working practices.
• Ensure all tasks are completed to a high standard and on time.
• Any other reasonable and relevant tasks.

Company background:

CFA Archaeology grew out of an established unit within Edinburgh University's Department of Archaeology, becoming a separate Ltd company in 2000. Over the intervening years, CFA has grown to become one of the leading archaeological practices in the UK, operating out of four thriving offices running up the spine of the country. Although CFA has developed and grown, we have not lost sight of where we came from. We still seek out interesting and exciting archaeology and there is still that small-team ethic of co-operation and a sociable working atmosphere. Many of our staff have grown with us and we invest in our staff so that they have the training and confidence they need to progress and be rewarded with the opportunities they deserve. You will join a friendly but professionally focussed and forward-looking team, who strives to work together, supporting and encouraging each other to rise to all challenges.

Benefits of working at CFA include:

• Competitive starting salary
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Annual profit distribution scheme
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and company sick pay
• Paid medical, family and compassionate leave
• Employer contribution to pension scheme up to 6% after qualifying period
• Continuing professional development, annual reviews, and personal access to HR Portal
• Employees offered opportunity to develop in all aspects of profession
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Occupational Health Support

Please apply via email quoting HR Administrator 26. Only completed applications containing a cover note and CV will be accepted. Please apply before 23rd August 2026. Interviews start immediately. CFA follows all GDPR regulations when handling personal data. CFA Archaeology follows a policy of equal opportunities for employment, training, and other conditions of service. All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of identity and right to work in the UK will be required prior to commencing employment.