At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance our global SAP SuccessFactors platform while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Join GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative air travel solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, annual bonus, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Remote role with travel once a month; great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a team pushing boundaries in aerospace technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in SAP SuccessFactors and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener!
Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries.
We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies.
And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.
With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025.
There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
We are seeking a versatile and detail-oriented HR Systems Specialist to support, maintain and continuously improve our global SAP Success Factors platform.
This is a generalist role working across multiple Success Factors modules and end-to-end HR processes, with particular responsibility for Time Off and Document Generation / Storage.
The role will partner with HR, IT, business stakeholders and external providers to translate requirements into practical system solutions, resolve issues, protect data quality and deliver an effective user experience.
The role is a remote contract, with travel expectations of around once a month - these are fully expensed.
Please note that this advert will close on Tuesday 1st September 2026 - if you're interested hit apply now!
- What You'll Be Doing
- Provide functional administration and support across the SAP Success Factors platform, working flexibly across modules and HR processes according to business priorities.
- Act as the primary HR Systems contact for Success Factors Time Off, including time types, holiday calendars, work schedules, accrual rules, workflows, permissions and associated employee and manager processes.
- Support and administer HR Document Management system.
- Configure and maintain system settings, business rules, workflows, role-based permissions, notifications, templates and reference data.
- Partner with HR process owners and regional teams to understand business needs.
- Provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 support, investigating incidents, identifying root causes and coordinating resolution with internal teams, SAP and external partners.
- Support Success Factors releases, enhancements and projects through impact assessment, test preparation, execution, defect management and production deployment.
- Monitor system processes, data quality and user experience, recommending and implementing improvements that simplify HR service delivery.
- Maintain accurate configuration records, test evidence, process documentation, support guidance and user materials.
- Support user training, communications and change adoption for new or updated functionality.
- Ensure solutions and processes meet data privacy, security, audit and records-management requirements.
- What You'll Bring - Essential
Success in this role comes from a combination of experience, expertise and a proactive approach. If you can demonstrate the following experience, we'd love to hear from you.
Experience
- At least three years of hands-on experience administering, configuring or supporting SAP Success Factors in a complex organisation.
- Practical experience with Employee Central Time Off, including configuration, troubleshooting and testing of time types, calendars, work schedules and accruals.
- Experience supporting a Document Management system (Opentext / Doxis), including employee files, access controls, document classification, retention and document workflows.
- Experience with business rules, workflows, role-based permissions, data imports and system testing in Success Factors.
- Knowledge
- Broad functional knowledge of Success Factors and the ability to work across multiple modules and end-to-end HR processes.
- Strong understanding of HR data, data privacy, security and governance principles.
Skills
- Analytical thinking.
- Attention to detail.
- Excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder management.
- Testing, change management and user-support capability.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a global HRIS team.
- Strong logical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and follow issues through to resolution.
- What You'll Bring - Desirable
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- SAP Success Factors certification in Employee Central, Time Management or another relevant module.
- Experience with other Success Factors modules such as Recruiting, Onboarding, Performance and Goals, Compensation or Learning.
- Experience with SAP Success Factors Document Management Core by Open Text or another enterprise HR document-management solution.
- Experience working in a global, multi-country HR environment.
- What We'll Offer
Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Annual bonus of up to 15%
- Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we'll pay 1.5x your contribution (max 12%).
- Life Assurance 8 x salary.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Flexible working hours.
- Income protection.
- Shopping discounts.
- Cycle To Work Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly!
We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities.
That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you!
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities.
This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.
And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.
We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment.
Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.
It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.
By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
HR Systems Specialist in Bristol employer: GKN
GKN Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity in the aerospace industry. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee development, we provide competitive salaries, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, all while being part of a diverse team that values every individual's contribution. Join us in Bristol and be at the forefront of reimagining air travel, where your expertise can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Systems Specialist in Bristol
✨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 GKN!
✨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 GKN.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Systems Specialist in Bristol
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 GKN. 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 GKN 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 GKN. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to GKN'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 GKN
✨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 GKN.
✨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 GKN 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 GKN and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
