Senior Payroll and HR Support Assistant in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

The Payroll and HR Support Team plays a vital role in ensuring colleagues across the Council and schools receive a high-quality, efficient and customer-focused HR support service. Working at the heart of the employee lifecycle, the team provides guidance and support on recruitment, appointments, contracts, employment records and workforce administration. The team works closely with services across the organisation to ensure processes are delivered accurately, statutory requirements are met and employees receive a professional and responsive service.

What you will get to do:

• Provide an effective and efficient HR support service to customers across the Council and schools, ensuring agreed practices and procedures are followed.
• Maintain accurate appointment, contractual, HR and financial records in line with Council policies, terms and conditions, statutory requirements and financial regulations.
• Act as a key point of contact, providing advice and guidance to managers and customers on recruitment processes, appointments, contracts, employment terms and conditions, and employment changes.
• Support the delivery of organisational reviews, projects, policies and workforce initiatives, helping ensure objectives are achieved effectively.
• Produce and provide workforce statistics and management information that support performance monitoring, benchmarking and reporting requirements.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues, managers, schools and customers, delivering a professional and customer-focused service.
• Work collaboratively across multiple disciplines and services to ensure excellent service delivery.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Be part of a team that values service, collaboration and continuous improvement.

What you will bring (Essential Criteria):

• Effective communication and organisational skills, with the ability to provide clear advice, guidance and excellent customer service.
• Experience of general office administration and maintaining accurate records with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively to strict deadlines while managing a varied workload.
• Experience of working collaboratively across teams and services to achieve shared outcomes.
• Strong IT skills, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of HR administration processes and an understanding of employment terms and conditions.
• A relevant Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in English and Maths, together with the ability to apply literacy and numeracy skills effectively in the workplace.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you:

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.