HR Operations Officer - Maternity cover in City of Westminster

HR Operations Officer - Maternity cover in City of Westminster

City of Westminster Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR operations and enhance employee experiences throughout their lifecycle.
  • Company: Join a dynamic HR team in a professional and engaging environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 37 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive employee assistance programme.
  • Other info: This is a hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on employee journeys while developing your HR skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR administration and strong organisational skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

We are looking for an organised, proactive and detail-focused HR Operations Officer to provide high-quality operational support across the employee lifecycle.

This is a varied role at the heart of our HR team, helping to ensure our people processes, systems and data run smoothly and effectively.

What you will do

  • Manage and maintain HR systems, supporting day-to-day administration, data integrity, user experience and process improvements.
  • Administer employee benefits and liaise with relevant providers, colleagues and finance partners as needed.
  • Coordinate key employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, probation, contractual changes, internal moves, remuneration review administration and offboarding.
  • Provide recruitment coordination support, including interview scheduling, candidate communications and administration through the applicant tracking system.
  • Act as a first point of contact for routine HR and payroll queries, ensuring responses are timely, accurate and helpful.
  • What we’re looking for
  • Experience in HR administration, HR operations or people coordination, ideally including payroll support and data validation.
  • Confidence using HR systems and databases, with an interest in HR technology, systems development and continuous improvement.
  • Strong organisational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail.
  • Experience maintaining accurate records, producing reports and working with HR analytics.

Benefits

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle.

All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

  • Salary
  • Contract

Full-time, 15 month fixed-term contract.

Location

St James's Square, London. This is a hybrid role based in our London office. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least 2 days per week.

Application closing Date

Wednesday 30 September 2026,23:59 BST. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date could be brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged.

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HR Operations Officer - Maternity cover in City of Westminster employer: Chatham House

Chatham House is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets impact. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to unique opportunities for professional development and collaboration across diverse teams, all while contributing to meaningful research that shapes policy in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Our inclusive culture fosters creativity and engagement, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.

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Contact Details:

Chatham House Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Operations Officer - Maternity cover in City of Westminster

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 Chatham House!

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 Chatham House.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations Officer - Maternity cover in City of Westminster

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Time Management
Organisational Skills
Employee Relations

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 Chatham House. 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 Chatham House 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 Chatham House. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Chatham House'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 Chatham House

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 Chatham House.

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 Chatham House 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 Chatham House and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.