At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR functions, manage recruitment, and enhance colleague experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join an award-winning law firm known for its supportive and people-focused culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, bonuses, health benefits, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and regular social events to foster team spirit.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing team while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of HR administration experience and strong customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Harrison Drury is a market‑leading firm of solicitors with offices across Lancashire, Cumbria and Staffordshire.
We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For, for the third year running, placing 40th in the Top 100 Best Mid‑Sized Companies and 10th in the Best Companies to Work for in the Law Sector.
These achievements reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people‑focused workplace where our colleagues can thrive.
With over 125 years of history, we’re a well‑established firm, but we’re also in an exciting period of growth, with the energy and ambition of a modern, fast‑developing business.
It’s a fantastic time to join us.
About The Role
- We’re looking for a proactive and organised
- HR Assistant
HR Co‑ordinator , with at least 3 years’ experience, to support our busy HR function and help deliver an outstanding colleague experience across the firm based from our Preston office.
This is a varied role covering recruitment administration, HR systems, colleague support, induction coordination and wider HR initiatives.
You’ll work closely with the Head of HR and colleagues across all departments, becoming a trusted point of contact for day‑to‑day HR queries.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruitment administration — managing all aspects up to producing offer letters and employment contracts
- HR policy guidance — providing procedural advice to colleagues on queries of some complexity
- HR system management — ensuring HD One and HR records are accurate and up to date
- Reporting & data — producing and analysing information including People Dashboard and Gallup 12 surveys
- Induction coordination — planning inductions and delivering the HR section; occasional IT training
- Trainee & Academy support — assisting the Training Principal with arrangements for trainee solicitors and HD Academy
- Payroll changes — ensuring accurate information is provided for payroll updates
- Work experience coordination — arranging placements, packs and access
- Careers events — coordinating trainees/apprentices attending events
- Car parking administration for Preston
- HR projects & process improvements — contributing to streamlining and value‑adding initiatives
- Demonstrating HD’s values in all aspects of the role
Essential Experience
- HR administration experience in a busy environment, ideally 3+ years
- Providing procedural advice to colleagues
- Strong customer‑service approach
Desirable Experience
- Experience in the legal sector
- Experience in a busy HR department
- CIPD Level 3 qualification
Qualifications & Technical Skills
- Understanding of how HR supports business operations
- Experience using data/recording systems
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Excellent communication, planning and organisation
- Demonstrates HD values: outstanding service, teamwork, honest communication, commitment to development, accountability
Benefits
- Hybrid working policy
- Employee bonus scheme and annual pay review
- Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Increasing holiday entitlement with length of service
- Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)
- Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence
- Free individual or mirror Wills
- Employee referral scheme
- Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
- Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards
Why Join Us?
- Be part of an award‑winning, people‑focused firm.
- Work alongside recognised experts in the field.
- Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in development and wellbeing.
- Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle.
- Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing team.
Harrison Drury is a people business with relationships at its heart.
We deliver legal services as trusted legal partners to businesses, individuals and families across Lancashire, Cumbria, Manchester, Merseyside and Staffordshire.
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HR Assistant in Preston employer: Harrison Drury Solicitors
Harrison-Drury is an award-winning firm that prioritises a supportive and people-focused work culture, making it an excellent employer for graduates looking to kickstart their HR careers. With a commitment to employee development, you will receive hands-on experience across the HR lifecycle while working towards a Level 5 CIPD qualification, all within a flexible environment that values your wellbeing. Join a team that not only celebrates achievements but also offers unique benefits like paid time off for voluntary work and regular social events, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding workplace experience in Preston.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant in Preston
✨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 Harrison Drury Solicitors!
✨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 Harrison Drury Solicitors.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant in Preston
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 Harrison Drury Solicitors. 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 Harrison Drury Solicitors 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 Harrison Drury Solicitors. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Harrison Drury Solicitors'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 Harrison Drury Solicitors
✨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 Harrison Drury Solicitors.
✨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 Harrison Drury Solicitors 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 Harrison Drury Solicitors and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
