At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations and help create a thriving workplace for all staff.
- Company: Join a world-class museum dedicated to inspiring care for our planet.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, training opportunities, and discounts at museums.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR administration and a passion for people.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 1,100 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
The Museum's HR department is a hub of activity. We support and enable all sections of the Museum to thrive and deliver amazing results contributing to the Museum's overall goal of creating advocates for the planet and tackling the planetary emergency we find ourselves in. The HR Administrator role is at the heart of this work. It is a key part of our service delivery through support to the team, to existing employees and to incoming new starters and job candidates. It is a demanding but rewarding role that offers a superb development opportunity for an ambitious and curious team player who has a passion for people and is looking to develop their HR career.
About You
To excel in this role, you will have demonstrable experience in HR administration. Your exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication skills and ability to work to high standards of accuracy will be essential. You will have an interest in and understanding of the right to work and UK immigration rules as well as of the implications of Data Protection legislation on your work. The successful candidate will have an interest in developing their HR skills and the ability to demonstrate the qualities expected of all our colleagues within the Thriving at the Museum framework and will be required to pursue a relevant CIPD qualification, supported by the Museum.
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. The hybrid working model 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.
Legal and Right to Work
Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship, so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
HR Administrator employer: Natural History Museum
As a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre, the Museum offers an inspiring work environment where passion for people and the planet thrives. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees enjoy generous benefits such as 27.5 days of holiday, a defined contribution pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities to support their professional growth. The hybrid working model and access to unique cultural experiences make this an exceptional place for those looking to develop their HR careers while contributing to meaningful global challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Administrator
✨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 Natural 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 Natural History Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Administrator
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 Natural 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 Natural 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 Natural 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 Natural 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 Natural 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 Natural 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 Natural 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 Natural History Museum and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
