At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the go-to person for HR queries and provide top-notch support to employees.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, great holiday allowance, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping others navigate HR processes.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a passion for HR are essential.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we're not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as an AskHR Administrator at our Boscombe Down site, in Amesbury, Wiltshire, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.
Role Purpose: To act as the first point of contact for all HR queries through the AskHR service, delivering accurate, timely and customer-focused support across the full range of HR policies, processes and systems, including SuccessFactors. The role ensures that employees and managers receive high-quality assistance, issues are resolved at first contact wherever possible, and cases are progressed compliantly through the service model.
Key Responsibilities:
- Customer Support & Ticket Resolution: Provide first-line support to employees and managers across all contact channels (ticketing system, email, phone, and in-person drop-ins as required). Log, triage and manage all queries within the AskHR case-management system, ensuring accurate categorisation, documentation, and timely updates. Deliver clear, professional and solution-focused guidance, with consistent application of HR policies, procedures, work instructions, and employment practices. Resolve issues at first point of contact wherever possible, escalating only when appropriate with full and accurate information. Maintain a high level of customer service and responsiveness at all times.
- Operational Excellence & Compliance: Take ownership of enquiries from initial contact through to resolution, ensuring progress is tracked and communicated to the customer. Ensure compliance with all organisational policies, including data protection, audit requirements, and standard operating procedures. Support maintenance of HR knowledge content, work instructions and process documentation to ensure they remain accurate, current and user-friendly. Contribute to the reduction of aged tickets and help optimise workflow management within the team.
- Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Identify recurring issues or process pain-points and proactively suggest improvements or self-service opportunities. Support the development and publication of self-help guides, FAQs, and knowledge articles to improve customer autonomy and reduce repeat demand. Participate in root-cause investigations and continuous improvement activities in partnership with colleagues across Employee Services.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with Level 2 specialists (Manager Advice, HR Service Delivery, Payroll, TA/Onboarding) and third-party providers to progress cases efficiently. Ensure handoffs to specialist teams follow clear, complete and compliant escalation protocols. Work collaboratively within AskHR to help meet shared targets, including SLA performance, quality scores, and service experience measures.
Skills & Experience:
- Essential: Strong customer service orientation with the ability to handle high-volume enquiries professionally and calmly. Good understanding of HR processes across the employee lifecycle (new starter processes, contractual changes, leave, absence, benefits, offboarding, etc.). Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to articulate guidance clearly to a non-technical audience. High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and disciplined record-keeping. Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain service levels in a fast-paced environment. Strong Excel and general IT skills; confidence navigating multiple systems simultaneously.
- Desirable: Working knowledge of SuccessFactors (Employee Central, Onboarding, etc.) or similar HRIS platforms. Experience working in a shared service, ticketing or service centre environment. Familiarity with case management systems, workflows, and SLA-based service delivery. Understanding of basic employment law and HR policy frameworks.
Behaviours:
- Customer-centred mindset – resolves issues constructively, courteously, and with empathy.
- Ownership and accountability – takes responsibility for seeing issues through to resolution.
- Proactive – anticipates issues, identifies improvements, and contributes ideas to enhance service delivery.
- Team-oriented – works collaboratively and supports colleagues to achieve collective goals.
- Professional integrity – handles sensitive information confidentially and acts with discretion.
- Adaptive and willing to learn – embraces new systems, processes and changes in demand.
Qualifications:
- Essential: GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths. Demonstrable experience in a customer service, administrative or HR support role.
- Desirable: Working towards CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate (or willingness to study). Customer service or HR administration qualifications.
Why Join QinetiQ? As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there's never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges. As a QinetiQ employee, you'll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you'll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential.
Our Benefits: Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance. Competitive holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days. Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance. Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more. We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community.
Our Recruitment Process: We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.
HR Administrator employer: QinetiQ Security & Defence Contractors
Contact Detail:
QinetiQ Security & Defence Contractors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research QinetiQ's values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an HR Administrator, you'll need to articulate guidance clearly. Try role-playing common HR scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the QinetiQ family. Let's get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Administrator role. Highlight your customer service experience and any relevant HR knowledge to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are key, use clear and professional language in your application. We want to see how well you can articulate your thoughts and ideas!
Be Detail-Oriented: Pay attention to the details in your application. Double-check for typos and ensure all information is accurate. This reflects your ability to maintain high standards, which is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ Security & Defence Contractors
✨Know Your HR Basics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of HR processes across the employee lifecycle. Familiarise yourself with topics like new starter processes, contractual changes, and leave management. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about providing top-notch customer support, think of examples from your past experiences where you've handled high-volume enquiries or resolved issues effectively. Be ready to discuss how you maintain professionalism and calmness under pressure.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific HR scenarios or customer queries. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and solution-focused. This will show that you can think on your feet and are proactive in resolving issues.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SuccessFactors
If you have experience with SuccessFactors or similar HRIS platforms, be prepared to discuss it. If not, do a bit of research to understand its functionalities. Showing that you're willing to learn and adapt to new systems will impress your interviewers.