At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR functions across various departments and enhance employee experience.
- Company: Join a world-class museum dedicated to science and diversity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and be part of a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant environment while supporting a mission for people and planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world. Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
We’re looking for an HR Co‑ordinator to provide support to our Commercial and Visitor Experience, Corporate Services, Public Programmes, Communications, Digital, Marketing and Publishing departments. You will deliver a high‑quality, proactive and customer‑focused HR service, supporting managers and employees throughout the employee lifecycle. You’ll oversee accurate contractual and payroll changes, provide first‑line HR advice, and support employee relations activity. You will play a key role in talent acquisition campaigns, onboarding and compliance activity, and contribute to HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance processes, service delivery and support delivery of the Museum’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
About you
You will have proven experience working within an HR team, with strong knowledge of HR processes, employment policies and employee relations, alongside a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Confident in handling sensitive and confidential information, you will be an organised, numerate and proactive problem‑solver with excellent communication and relationship‑building skills. Experience using HR systems and supporting payroll and recruitment activity is essential, as is a commitment to best practice, continuous professional development and inclusive ways of working. A collaborative team player, you will be comfortable balancing competing priorities while delivering a responsive and professional HR service.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
What we offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in‑house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
- Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first‑hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
HR Co-ordinator (Maternity Cover) employer: National History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion while fostering a sense of belonging among its 1,100 staff. With generous benefits such as 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in the heart of London, the Museum not only provides a unique environment to engage with millions of visitors but also supports a hybrid working model that balances collaboration with flexibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Co-ordinator (Maternity Cover)
✨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 National History Museum!
✨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 National History Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Co-ordinator (Maternity Cover)
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 National History Museum. 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 National History Museum 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 National History Museum. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National History Museum'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 National History Museum
✨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 National History Museum.
✨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 National History Museum 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 National History Museum and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
