At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage HR admin tasks like recruitment, payroll, and employee records.
- Company: Join Kent Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, health services, and a pension scheme with great employer contributions.
- Other info: Flexible working with a mix of office and home, plus career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in HR while supporting your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR processes and knowledge of GDPR required.
The predicted salary is between 28635 - 31609 £ per year.
Location: Service Headquarters, Maidstone – mixture of office and home working – 3 days per week in office (with travel countywide, based on needs)
Hours: Full time – 37 Hours per week
Pension: Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme – career average pension scheme with 16.5% employer contribution
Holidays: 28 days holiday in addition to entitlement to bank/public holidays
Base salary: Grade 4 - £28,635- £31,609 per annum depending on experience
Ref: R001024
Closing Date: 06/09/2026
This role is part of Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).
What you’ll do:
- Undertake and manage all administration related to leave of absence, recruitment, onboarding, contract changes/variations, and leaver administration.
- Process and validate all payroll actions and instructions accurately each month.
- Prepare, validate, and process all documents relating to employment changes, including new starters and leavers documentation, maintaining accurate records within the HRIS system to reflect updates and ensuring compliance with GDPR.
- Conduct exit interviews with departing colleagues, capturing key insights and accurately recording the outcomes, and escalating any concerns to the relevant HR team when required.
- Liaise effectively with the Payroll and Finance teams to resolve any issues related to pay, pensions, and benefits.
- Assist in the design and updating of manager guidance, toolkits, and/or HR policies/procedures, ensuring all changes align with current employment regulations and organisational standards.
What you’ll bring:
- Practical and procedural knowledge of HR administration processes, including producing documents, data input, and maintaining records in a secure environment.
- Detailed understanding of confidentiality requirements and GDPR regulations for handling sensitive employee data.
- Knowledge and understanding of HR best practice.
- Skills in using HRIS, specifically iTrent (desirable).
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, with the ability to create, edit, and analyse documents and data.
- Part or fully qualified CIPD or a wide experience across all aspects of HR administration.
Additional benefits we’re offering:
- Blue Light Card discount scheme.
- A range of family friendly policies including promoting work-life balance.
- Access to health and wellbeing services and advice.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning online training.
- Free parking.
Above all you’ll become part of a service that is committed to the safety of our community.
As a Public Sector organisation with added responsibilities under the Equality Act, 2010 the candidate must demonstrate an understanding of what is meant by Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and how this fits in with their everyday work.
HR Operations Officer FTC 12 Months in Maidstone employer: Kent Fire and Rescue Service
Kent Fire and Rescue Service offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, prioritising employee wellbeing and professional development. With a generous pension scheme, 28 days of holiday, and access to health services, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life while contributing to the safety of the community. The blend of office and home working fosters flexibility, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment in HR operations.
Contact Details:
Kent Fire and Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Operations Officer FTC 12 Months in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Kent Fire and Rescue Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common HR scenarios. Think about how you’d handle leave of absence queries or payroll issues. We want to see that you can think on your feet and have a solid grasp of HR processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! Familiarise yourself with HRIS systems like iTrent and brush up on your Excel abilities. We love candidates who can hit the ground running and make our admin processes smoother.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your understanding of GDPR and confidentiality in your discussions. It’s crucial for this role, and we want to know you take data protection seriously!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations Officer FTC 12 Months in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Operations Officer role. Highlight your experience in HR administration, especially with leave of absence and payroll processes. 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 this role and how your background aligns with our needs at Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any experience with HRIS systems like iTrent. We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these tools in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your HR Basics
Make sure you brush up on your HR administration processes. Understand the ins and outs of leave of absence, recruitment, and payroll actions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GDPR
Since handling sensitive employee data is a big part of the role, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of GDPR regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain confidentiality in your previous roles.
✨Show Off Your Tech Skills
If you’ve used HRIS systems like iTrent or have advanced skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, make sure to highlight this during your interview. Prepare examples of how you've used these tools to improve efficiency or accuracy in your past work.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
As this role involves working within a public sector organisation, demonstrating your understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is key. Think of examples from your experience where you’ve promoted these values and be ready to share them.
