HR Administrator in Birmingham

Main Purpose of the role

The Human Resources (HR) Department plays a critical role in supporting the organisation by managing employee lifecycle processes, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, and aligning workforce practices with business objectives. It is responsible for recruitment and onboarding, maintaining accurate employee records, administering payroll and benefits, and supporting performance management and employee development initiatives. The HR function also promotes a positive workplace culture by addressing employee relations matters, implementing fair and consistent policies, and ensuring clear communication across the organisation. Through these activities, HR contributes to operational efficiency, employee engagement, and overall organisational effectiveness. The HR Administrator provides efficient and compliant administrative support across core HR functions, including employee lifecycle management, recruitment coordination, and learning & development activities. The role is critical in ensuring smooth HR operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, supporting both office and shop-floor employees. The purpose of the job is to ensure all activity is aligned with a legal framework and best practice.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate employee records (digital and physical) in line with GDPR and company policies
• Administer employee lifecycle processes: onboarding, contracts, probation tracking, changes, and offboarding
• Support payroll processes by preparing and validating employee data (e.g., attendance, overtime, absence)
• Manage HR systems (HRIS), ensuring data integrity and timely updates
• Handle employee queries related to HR policies, benefits, and procedures
• Track and report on key HR metrics (e.g., headcount, turnover, absenteeism)
• Co-ordinate Health Surveillance booking and attendance
• Provide administrative support to HR projects and initiatives
• Assist with employee engagement activities and communications
• Support disciplinary, grievance, and absence management processes (administratively)
• Collaborate with production managers to support workforce planning
• Support the Recruitment team in all aspects of recruitment administration
• Support the L&D team in all aspects of L&D administration.

What skills are we looking for?

The successful candidate must have previous experience in an HR administrative role, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment. You will have a good understanding of HR processes and employment legislation, be competent in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word and possess excellent organisational and communication skills. You will be able to identify potential issues and suggest practical solutions, learn new systems quickly, and demonstrate a proactive approach to your work. A strong customer service focus, high levels of accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion are essential. You will also be a confident and professional team player who takes pride in delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines. The ideal candidate must have a HR qualification, such as CIPD Level 3, or be working towards one, with a willingness to continue their professional development. Experience in recruitment, training, learning and development coordination, or supporting a shift-based workforce would be highly advantageous, as would experience using Cascade or a similar HR system and advanced Excel skills. You will maintain a positive attitude, even under pressure, be supportive of colleagues, and consistently demonstrate a commitment to confidentiality, continuous improvement, and providing an excellent service to employees and managers alike.