Interim HR Specialist (Maternity Cover) in London

Publicis Re:Sources is at the core of Publicis Groupe, the world's largest communications company. We are the only full-service, end-to-end shared service organisation in the industry, enabling Groupe agencies to do what they do best: innovate and transform for their clients. Formed in 1998 as a small team to service a few Publicis Groupe firms, Publicis Re:Sources has grown to 6,000+ employees in over 55 countries. We provide technology solutions and business services, including finance, accounting, legal, benefits, procurement, tax, real estate, treasury and risk management, information security, and global mobility — supporting 110,000+ employees across the Publicis Groupe network. Our people are at the centre of everything we do, bringing curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence to their work every day.

We are looking for an experienced HR Specialist (12 months Maternity Cover) to provide generalist HR support across the UK and Ireland, acting as a key contact for employees and managers. Reporting directly to the Head of HR, UK & Ireland, the role supports the full employee lifecycle, ensuring consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and best practices. The HR Specialist also contributes to reporting, HR projects and initiatives that enhance employee experience, compliance, and operational efficiency. This role will be based in our London office. Please only apply if you have the right to work in UK.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide first-line HR support and guidance to employees and managers on policies, procedures, and employment legislation.
• Support employee relations cases including performance, disciplinary, grievance, absence, and wellbeing matters.
• Lead and co-ordinate recruitment and onboarding processes, including job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling, offer, contract issue, and induction.
• Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure timely updates to payroll, benefits and finance teams.
• Monitor probation periods and support managers with review processes.
• Assist with HR reporting and data analysis to support decision-making and compliance.
• Support the implementation of HR initiatives including training, diversity & inclusion, engagement, and wellbeing programmes.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and internal audit requirements.

Key Competencies:

• Performance & Accuracy: Deliver high-quality, error-free work consistently and meets deadlines reliably.
• HR Qualifications & Knowledge: Demonstrate sound understanding of HR processes, policies, and employment law. Hold relevant HR certification (e.g., CIPD Level 3 or above or equivalent experience).
• Employee Relations: Support ER cases confidently.
• Systems Proficiency: Skilled in HR systems such as Career Settings, BetterWorks, Qualtrics, and Altair.
• Reporting & Analysis: Able to generate and interpret HR data to support decision-making.
• Compliance: Maintain high standards of legal and policy compliance and supports audit readiness.
• Approachability: Build strong relationships and is accessible, empathetic, and discreet.
• Proactivity: Take initiative, anticipates needs, and suggests improvements.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Ability to give appropriate advice on a range of HR best practices whilst being empathetic, supportive and risk adverse.
• Experience of being in a fast paced and varied HR generalist role.
• Preferable Shared Service Centre experience.
• Preferable experience of HR practice in Ireland.

Knowledge & Skills (including technology):

• Employment law & HR best practice.
• HR policies and procedures.
• Strong Microsoft office skills.
• Excellent time management, prioritisation and multi-tasking.
• Strong communication skills with all levels.

Attributes/Behaviours:

• Organised and methodical.
• Proactive and positive attitude.
• Display discretion when managing confidential information.

We offer a hybrid working pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days WFH. Our main office is located in the iconic Television Centre (TVC) at White City, London. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing a fair assessment process and are happy to discuss and explore reasonable adjustments during the hiring process. Publicis Groupe UK fosters an inclusive environment through our inspirational Employee Action Groups (EAGs). We have a comprehensive benefits offering. Our full health and lifestyle benefits package will be shared with you when you join us. In addition to key benefits like Pension, Life Assurance, Income Protection and Private Medical, some of our other benefits are:

• Annual Leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing after 5 years, by 1 day per additional service up to 30 days.
• Birthday Day Off that can be used in your birthday month and the opportunity to Buy or Sell Holiday at the start of each year.
• Flexible Bank Holidays, you can switch the 2 Easter bank holidays for other days of your choosing.
• Reflection Days for time away from work to focus on what works best for you.
• Our lifestyle and wellbeing app that supports you and your family; 24/7 Helpline, Remote GPs, Medical or 2nd Opinion, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Physiotherapy, 1-2-1 Lifestyle Coaching, Nutritional Consultations, Savings & Discounts and lots more.
• Inclusive Policies to support you and your family including enhanced Family Leave, Disability, Carers, Transitioning at Work, Flexible Working, Menopause.
• Local discounts, restaurants & retailers in Westfield White City. Onsite Café with complimentary breakfast, a subsidised lunch menu, and an in-house barista.