HR Level 3 Apprentice

Purpose of the Role To provide a high-quality, cost-effective HR service within Colas Rail. To ensure the effective operation of internal administration and recruitment processes, and to provide first line support for HR related queries across the business. The role requires confidentiality, flexibility, dedication, and commitment, and includes inputting data into numerous HR Systems, key performance indicator reporting, and first point of contact responsibilities for recruitment, onboarding, and HR related queries.

Key Areas of Responsibility & Accountability

• HR Administration Ensure effective delivery of all internal HR administration processes including contract preparation, contractual changes, processing BPSS checks, new starters, probation periods, transfers, MFA triggers, terminations, inductions, and HR data management. Provide first-line assistance with HR queries from employees via dedicated phone line and inbox including advising on employee benefits and pay queries. Prepare and analyse HR data as required including monthly board reporting, absence management and salary survey completion. Produce and issue contracts of employment and offer letters, ensure that eligibility documentation is provided, and copies retained. Administer and update the HR systems maintain employee records. Support the company's attendance management procedure via proactive management of sickness, i.e. chasing of certificates; identifying trends, ensuring that relevant return to work interview paperwork is retained, monitoring long term sickness, referrals to Occupational Health etc. Assist with development and maintenance of HR policies and procedures including maintenance of HR intranet. Involvement in HR projects as required including TUPE processes, employee engagement, policy & procedure review and organisational design/changes. Provide administration support for wider HR team as requested. Manage the probation review process. Process leavers and ensure the HR system is updated, and relevant documentation is sent to the employee.
• Recruitment Assist the recruitment team and arrange interviews both face to face and via Teams. Process the relevant recruitment administration for new starters such as Colas Rail Contract Offer Forms. Ensure communication regarding the recruitment process is managed timely and effectively. Help with advertising approved vacancies on Colas Rail website. Advertise, track and update candidate status as appropriate on HRIS. Undertake pre-screening questionnaires with candidates if required. Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.
• Employee Relations Provide HR advice and guidance to the business regarding all HR queries, including support on sickness absence, maternity and paternity, recruitment, payroll administration.
• HR Systems Assist with HRIS projects/initiatives as needed. Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time.

Person Specification The jobholder will have demonstrable experience as a HR Assistant or Coordinator and used to operating in a fast-paced environment. Strong customer service and Microsoft Word/Excel skills with attention to detail and ability to learn quickly is also required, with a willingness to travel on occasion to sites across the UK where needed.

Qualifications / Experience

• Relevant HR qualification or demonstrable experience
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to prioritise work, and achieve deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Team player with an ability to work on own initiative
• Customer focused
• Highly proficient user of Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel
• Experience of using HR systems
• Basic understanding of HR practices and employment/recruitment legislation
• Experience of working as part of a team in a client-focused environment to meet challenging deadlines in a volume orientated resourcing/recruiting environment

What we Offer

• Competitive Salary
• 26 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan
• Occupational Health Service

Equal Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail. We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process. As part of a positive action drive to address under-representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010. We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements. On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing the disabled) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally. Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependent on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.