HR Officer in Kent

HR OfficerSalary Range: £30,000 to £35,000Location: Harrietsham, KentInterviewsThe job advert closes on 15th October 2025, with 1st stage telephone interviews scheduled to be held during the last two weeks of October 2025 and the face-to-face interview stages to follow.Hybrid Working OpportunityThis role is eligible for the hybrid working benefit, requiring the successful candidate to attend our Harrietsham office three days per week, with the flexibility to work from home up to two days a week once deemed competent to work independently and in line with the business needs. Applicants must be UK-based and live within a practical commutable distance of our office. Hybrid working is a benefit at Bedfont and not a contractual term.The Story:Established in 1976, Bedfont is an award-winning medical technology company based in Harrietsham, Kent. Its breath analysis medical devices are exported globally thanks to its network of carefully selected distributors.The Challenge:Healthcare is evolving and the market for breath analysis monitors is expanding. Bedfont are looking for hard-working, like-minded, and passionate individuals to join the Bedfont Family to help achieve its goal of innovating healthcare worldwide.The Benefits:25 days paid holiday plus bank holidaysSocial eventsPrivate medical insuranceSubsidised health checksWell-being warriorsWell-being garden and roomAnnual optical allowanceCycle to work schemePension schemeBonus schemeHybrid workingEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP)Rewards appReferral bonusCharity daysHome office setup allowanceEmployee awardsFree on-site parkingTraining & development opportunitiesFree uniformSubsidised Celler8 deviceSubsidised kids clubTime in service annual leave bonusEnhanced Maternity and Paternity PayYour Mission:The HR Officer will play a pivotal role within Bedfont’s Office Department, working closely with and reporting to the Office & HR Manager. This position will be central to shaping and delivering people strategies, ensuring they align with the company’s vision, values, and growth plans. The HR Officer will provide proactive support across all areas of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee engagement. With a strong focus on accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance, they will meticulously administer the HR function, maintain impeccable records, and serve as a trusted point of contact for employees and managers alike. This is a hands-on role that blends day-to-day operational HR tasks with the opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement and the development of innovative people initiatives.Roles and Responsibilities:Deputise for the Office & HR Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of HR operations and decision-making.Coordinate and manage recruitment processes from start to finish, including drafting job adverts, liaising with agencies, shortlisting candidates, arranging interviews, and issuing offers.Oversee and process all onboarding activities, ensuring new starters have a smooth and professional induction experience.Conduct investigation meetings in relation to employee relations issues, producing clear and accurate notes and reports.Act as the first point of contact for everyday HR enquiries, providing timely and accurate advice to employees and managers.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice, advising managers accordingly.Prepare and update HR documentation, including contracts, offer letters, policies, and procedures.Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS, ensuring compliance with GDPR and company procedures.Support the performance management process, including probation reviews, appraisals, and capability procedures.Assist with absence management, including monitoring trends, holding return-to-work meetings, and escalating issues as required.Coordinate staff training and development initiatives, tracking completion and evaluating effectiveness.Produce HR reports and data analysis to support decision-making.Support employee engagement activities and contribute to creating a positive workplace culture.Work with the Office & HR Manager on HR related projects.Qualifications:CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice, CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management or equivalent HR qualificationProven HR experience in a generalist or advisory role, preferably within a fast-paced business environmentStrong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practiceExperience supporting employee relations casework, including investigations, disciplinaries, and absence managementFamiliarity with HRIS systems (e.g., BrightHR or similar)Experience contributing to HR policy and document development and implementationKey Skills & Competencies:Excellent administrative and organisational skills with meticulous attention to detailAbility to prioritise and manage a varied workload to meet deadlinesStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport at all levels of the businessConfident in providing advice and guidance to managers and employeesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsProblem-solving mindset with the ability to act with initiative and minimal supervisionDiscreet, trustworthy, and able to handle confidential information sensitivelyAdaptability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing prioritiesCompetence in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)In addition, employees may be required to undertake other duties as may reasonably be required of them. In these circumstances training will be given where it is considered.Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. does not and will not discriminate in the recruitment or managing of staff on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation and more. We are an equal opportunity employer and Bedfont® regards every employee as a member of the Bedfont® family and is committed to providing a fair, safe, diverse and welcoming atmosphere. Our application process has been designed so that everyone is able to demonstrate their skills and how they meet the criteria required for the job advertised. All successful candidates will be subject to a digital ID and DBS check.