People Assistant in Essex

Pinnacle Group is looking for a proactive People Assistant to join our People Team within Central Services. This role will provide essential day‐to‐day administrative support to the People function, working closely with People Advisors and Payroll. You will support a range of HR activities, including maintaining accurate employee records, onboarding new starters, and responding to HR queries. Based in our Chelmsford office, you’ll be part of a collaborative People team that supports Pinnacle’s operating businesses to operate efficiently and in line with best practice.

Our Central Services team provides expert support across our business – from governance, compliance and business development to finance, marketing, HR, and IT. By partnering with our frontline operations, they help drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement – all in support of our mission to Transform Communities, Change Lives.

This is an excellent role for someone looking to develop a career in HR, with the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the field. If you’re highly organised, detail-focused and passionate about working with people, we’d love to hear from you. This is a 6-month fixed term hybrid role.

Who we are

Pinnacle Group is a market-leading national provider of housing, neighbourhood and workplace services. With over thirty years of experience, we deliver expert, place-based management and maintenance solutions that enhance the everyday lives of the communities we serve. We’re a people-first organisation with a values-driven culture that has stood the test of time - reflected in the way we care for both our employees and our customers.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who not only meets the key criteria below but also embraces our core values – Trust, Respect, Involve, Challenge, and Deliver Excellence – and is committed to earning and maintaining the confidence of our clients and communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support for the whole People team working closely with the People Advisors and Payroll.
• In conjunction with the People Co-ordinator, take responsibility for the reorganisation of the current filing system.
• Carry out audits in relation to employees’ eligibility to work, flagging concerns with the People Co-ordinator.
• Answer relevant HR queries over helpdesk, telephone and by email.
• Process and monitor Criminal Record reference checks.
• Administrate key HR processes including new starters; pre-employment checks (including eligibility to work), appointment letters, provision of contracts and enter details onto the HR/payroll system (Cascade).
• Monitor the probationary period; diarise key dates and prompt managers.
• Maintain sickness absence records and send sick pay entitlement letters.
• Administer changes to employees’ contractual terms.
• Administer the leavers’ process and respond to reference requests.
• Process TUPE employees onto Cascade and raise queries from Employee Liability Information data, ensuring data is accurate and complete.

Key Requirements

• A minimum of two years experience in an administrative role.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident IT skills, including Outlook, Teams, Excel and Word.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet multiple deadlines.
• Previous HR administration experience, a CIPD Level 3 qualification (or currently working towards this), and experience using HR or employee databases such as Cascade would be advantageous.

Our Offer

We believe that diversity makes us stronger. The more varied our workforce, the better we can understand, reflect and meet the needs of the communities we serve. That’s why we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – especially those who represent the communities we work with every day. As a colleague, you’ll be part of an inclusive and supportive culture where you’re encouraged to thrive. We’re committed to helping you reach your full potential through continuous learning, development opportunities and career progression.

In addition to statutory benefits such as sick pay, maternity/paternity leave, a pension scheme, and annual leave, we offer a wide range of additional benefits tailored to your role and business area, including:

• Maternity/paternity packages
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• Additional Annual Leave
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail Discounts
• Childcare Assistance
• Season Ticket Loans
• Sick Pay Schemes
• Personal Development Plans