HR Administrator (6-month FTC)

About Methods

Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy that partners with central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery and collaboration from across the Methods Group to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people‑centred, safe and designed for the future. We support our clients in project success while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. Predominantly focused on the public sector, Methods is building a significant private‑sector client portfolio. Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

Purpose of the Role

Methods is seeking a proactive, results‑driven individual to join our HR team on a 6‑month fixed‑term basis. The Human Resources department combines care and compassion with business knowledge to empower colleagues. As an HR Administrator, you will offer exceptional support to colleagues at all stages of the employee life cycle and efficiently carry out HR administrative tasks.

Key Tasks

• Respond to queries that arrive in the HR Inbox.
• Support the business with creating offer letters and contracts of employment for candidates.
• Draft letters regarding end of employment and variations of contract, ensuring they are issued, signed and saved to colleague files.
• Draft letters covering bonus payments, salary, leave entitlements, changes of line manager, location and other employment‑related changes.
• Request probation‑completion paperwork from line managers and draft probation‑completion letters to colleagues.
• Manage documentation through DocuSign and HCM.
• Ensure all procedures are adhered to when colleagues are onboarded and offboarded.
• Assist with the HR team’s induction preparation, facilitate and ensure the two‑day event runs smoothly and raise any issues to team colleagues.
• Save documents and relevant correspondence to colleague files, complete pre‑checks before audit and address outstanding requirements prior to audit commencement.
• Share benefit information with colleagues at the end of probation and upon request.
• Save pension opt‑in and opt‑out forms to employee files.
• Set up new colleagues on HCM and complete related tasks.
• Ensure colleague records are correctly maintained and authorised within HCM and the benefits portal.
• Process invoices on behalf of the HR team.
• Maintain accurate leave balances and adjust balances when entitlements change.
• Enter sickness absence onto HCM and save fit notes to employee files.
• Guide colleagues on how to use Employee Self‑Service to update personal information.
• Update and monitor the company’s benefits platform to capture changes.
• Assist colleagues with general HR and payroll queries, escalating issues to the HRBP or payroll.
• Assist the HR Department with various projects on an ad‑hoc basis.
• Minute‑take in performance and employee‑relations or other meetings.
• Build an up‑to‑date understanding of legislation relating to employment law through workshops, newsletters and articles with the company's support.
• Take on more responsibility as your knowledge grows and you develop.
• Prepare monthly reporting data, reports for senior leadership, audit purposes and custom reporting as required.
• Carry out general administration tasks in the HR team.
• Research law and legislation when required.

Requirements

Person Profile / Educational Level / Qualifications Required

• CIPD qualified level 3 (not mandatory).

Experience / Knowledge

• Experience working in organisations with well‑defined HR practices, ideally in fast‑moving arenas.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A keen eye for detail and an organised, process‑orientated outlook.
• Integrity and confidentiality, leading by example to set the standard for personal integrity.
• Generalist experience in assisting and supporting a team or individuals.
• A good base understanding of HR practices and an interest in pursuing a career in HR.
• An enthusiastic approach to learning.
• A good practical understanding of MS Office.
• Ability to build relationships and earn trust.
• Good problem‑solving skills.
• Able to prioritise workloads and stakeholders in a fast‑paced and demanding environment.

Benefits

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience.
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society.
• Strong, inspiring and thought‑provoking leadership.
• A supportive and collaborative environment.

As Well As This, We Offer

• Wellness 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme.
• Social events: Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and pizza on the last Thursday of each month.
• Commitment to charitable causes.
• Time off 25 days a year.
• Pension salary exchange scheme – 4% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution.
• Life assurance of 4× base salary.
• Private medical insurance (non‑contributory, spouse and dependants included).
• Worldwide travel insurance (non‑contributory, spouse and dependants included).