At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll, pensions, and provide HR support across the employee lifecycle.
- Company: Join a global reinsurance leader with a strong commitment to employee development.
- Benefits: Gain broad HR expertise, enjoy a supportive environment, and focus on professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for learning and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact in HR operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll administration and knowledge of UK HR practices required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
General Re Corporation, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is a holding company for global reinsurance and related operations, with more than 2,000 employees worldwide. It owns General Reinsurance Corporation and General Reinsurance AG, which conducts business as Gen Re. Gen Re delivers reinsurance solutions to the Life/Health and Property/Casualty insurance industries.
General Reinsurance is offering an opportunity for an HR Generalist in our London office.
Main Purpose of the Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented HR Generalist with primary responsibility for the accurate and compliant delivery of payroll and pension processes, which we envisage will be approximately 25% of the role. The successful candidate will also be providing broad HR support across the employee lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys both operational precision and variety, as the role offers exposure to a wide range of HR activities depending on experience, interests, and business needs.
Context of the Role
This Gen Re HR team supports approximately 430 employees across seven locations. The team is led by the Regional HR Director who is responsible for the UK, Spanish, Italian, Danish, French, Irish and South African offices. In this varied role, you will support the team through a variety of HR operational tasks alongside employee support and advice and occasional project work.
Key Responsibilities
- Payroll & Pensions
- Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with UK legislation
- Act as the key liaison with payroll providers, finance, and internal stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, including RTI submissions and year-end processes
- Administer company pension schemes and risk benefits, including auto-enrolment, contributions, and re-enrolment duties
- Manage relationships with pension administrators and respond to employee queries
- Ensure compliance with relevant pension regulations and reporting requirements
- HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
- Support recruitment processes, including drafting job descriptions, coordinating interviews, and onboarding
- Manage employee records and ensure HR systems are accurate and up to date
- Administer contracts, offer letters, and employment documentation
- Provide first-line HR advice to employees and managers on policies and procedures
- Support absence management, including tracking and reporting
- Employee Relations & HR Support
- Assist with employee relations matters such as disciplinaries, grievances, and investigations (appropriate to experience)
- Support performance management and development processes
- Contribute to employee engagement initiatives and wellbeing programmes
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in payroll administration (end-to-end preferred)
- Knowledge of UK payroll legislation and pension regulations (including auto-enrolment)
- Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficient in HR systems and Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
- Interested in a broad range of HR disciplines
- General knowledge of the insurance/reinsurance industry as well as broader industry issues and trends
- Proactive and self-motivated
- Highly organised with strong problem-solving skills
- Collaborative and adaptable approach
- Keen to learn and develop across all areas of HR
Benefits
- Opportunity to develop broad HR expertise beyond payroll and pensions
- Exposure to a wide variety of HR activities and projects
- Supportive environment focused on professional growth
Our Address
Corn Exchange 55 Mark Lane London, EC3R 7NE (UK)
It is the continuing policy of the Gen Re Group to afford Equal Opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, sex (including childbirth or related medical conditions), religion, national origin or citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any characteristic protected by applicable law. In addition, Gen Re provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Human Resources Generalist employer: Gen Re
General Re Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. As an HR Generalist, you will benefit from opportunities for professional growth across various HR disciplines, while being part of a collaborative team that values operational precision and employee engagement. With a commitment to equal opportunity and a focus on employee wellbeing, Gen Re provides a unique platform for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Generalist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at General Re through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Gen Re's values and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR interview questions with a friend. We need to be ready to discuss our experience with payroll, employee relations, and how we handle confidential information.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at General Re.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Generalist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Generalist role. Highlight your experience in payroll and pensions, as well as any relevant HR operations you've been involved in. 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 HR and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don't forget to mention your interest in the insurance/reinsurance industry!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since this role involves managing payroll and compliance, it's crucial to demonstrate your attention to detail. Include examples of how you've ensured accuracy in previous roles, especially when handling sensitive information.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're proactive, which we love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gen Re
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Since the role involves managing payroll processes, brush up on UK payroll legislation and pension regulations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and compliance in payroll administration, as this will show your understanding of the key responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with various HR disciplines beyond payroll. Prepare examples of how you've supported recruitment, managed employee records, or contributed to employee engagement initiatives. This will demonstrate your versatility and readiness for a broad HR role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling employee relations matters like disciplinaries or grievances. Think of specific situations where you successfully navigated these challenges, highlighting your problem-solving skills and discretion in handling confidential information.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about the HR team's current projects or how they support professional growth. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.