People Operations Officer

People Operations Officer

Full-Time 26679 £ / year No working from home possible
Hays

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR operations, manage recruitment, and maintain employee records.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team focused on people and culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a collaborative setting.
  • Why this job: Be the first point of contact in HR and make a real difference.
  • Qualifications: CIPD Level 3 or willingness to pursue, plus HR admin experience.

To deliver accurate and efficient HR administration across the full employee lifecycle. This role acts as the first point of contact for HR operational matters, ensuring compliance, maintaining employee records, supporting recruitment activity, and providing high-quality service to managers, employees and external stakeholders.

As a People Operations Officer your role:

  • HR Operations & First-Line Support
    • Serve as the initial point of contact for HR-related enquiries, offering first-level guidance on policies, procedures and employment terms.
    • Manage shared HR inboxes daily, ensuring timely responses in line with service KPIs.
    • Maintain confidentiality and uphold data protection standards at all times.
  • Recruitment, Onboarding & Compliance
    • Conduct all pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment standards and internal policies.
    • Verify documentation for all new starters, including right-to-work checks.
    • Support recruitment activities including advertising, preparing recruitment packs, attending recruitment fairs and coordinating schedules.
    • Issue offer letters, contracts and contract variations promptly and accurately.
    • Coordinate onboarding processes, liaising with internal departments to ensure a smooth new starter experience.
    • Schedule probation review meetings and track completion of required documentation.
  • Employee Lifecycle Administration
    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, including participation in annual data cleansing.
    • Support the management of archived HR records in line with retention policies.
    • Assist with monthly payroll updates, ensuring all changes (starters, leavers, contractual amendments) are captured accurately.
    • Administer resignations and issue exit questionnaires.
    • Provide administrative support to the Employee Relations team when required.
  • HR Reporting & Metrics
    • Assist with weekly HR metrics reporting for senior leaders and managers.
    • Ensure the Single Central Record (SCR) is updated weekly (where applicable).
    • Prioritise workload effectively, meeting deadlines and service standards.
    • Work collaboratively within the HR team while also demonstrating initiative and independence.
    • Support organisational commitments to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
    • Participate in appraisal processes and undertake relevant training.

What you’ll need to succeed:

  • CIPD Level 3 (or working towards / willing to work towards).
  • Minimum 2 years’ HR administration experience in a generalist environment.
  • Ability to provide basic advice on HR policies, procedures and employment terms.
  • Strong literacy and numeracy skills (Level 2).
  • Proven experience maintaining accurate records and producing employment documentation.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including handling sensitive matters.
  • Ability to prioritise workload and manage conflicting deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Experience using HR information systems.
  • Demonstrable customer service experience.
  • Strong administrative skills, including minute-taking and drafting contracts.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Flexible, proactive and able to use initiative.
  • Understanding of Data Protection and GDPR principles.
  • Results-focused with a hands-on approach.

If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

People Operations Officer employer: Hays

As a People Operations Officer, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you advance your career in HR. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a flexible work-life balance and a commitment to safeguarding and diversity, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Hays

Contact Details:

Hays Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Operations Officer

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 Hays!

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 Hays.

We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Officer

HR Administration
First-Line Support
Data Protection
Safer Recruitment Standards
Recruitment Coordination
Onboarding Processes
Employee Records Management

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

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

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 Hays.

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 Hays 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 Hays and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.