At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll and HR processes while supporting team development and employee relations.
- Company: Join a dynamic group operating 15 hotels and venues across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a chance to work in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR and payroll while growing your career in a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll and HR practices, with a keen eye for detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Can you stay calm while crunching the numbers? Do you have an eagle eye for matching hours to rotas? Ready for a role where you genuinely make a difference? With over 550 team members and a payroll of more than £10 million, accurate records and well‑managed rotas are vital to our success. We run monthly payrolls for both salaried and hourly paid teams and are now seeking an experienced HR & Payroll Specialist to join our growing HR team. This is a genuinely blended role offering hands‑on involvement in both HR and payroll. You’ll work closely with our HR Director, HR Advisers, and our external payroll bureau to ensure everything runs smoothly – from onboarding to payroll to employee relations. This is an on‑site/ in office role‑based just outside Colchester, Essex. Travel to sites will be required occasionally.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing and checking payroll, including weekly rota closures and reconciliations
- Cross‑referencing rotas and reports, identifying discrepancies and ensuring accuracy
- Supporting managers with employee‑related matters including welfare, development, and conduct
- Handling employee relations, including note‑taking and drafting outcome documentation
- Administering new starter packs, offers, contracts, and updates on our HRIS (Fourth Hospitality)
- Managing recruitment admin: writing job adverts, screening CVs, and conducting first‑stage interviews
- Coordinating Tronc/tip distribution with the Troncmaster
- Delivering or supporting workshops and team training on HR and payroll processes
- Supporting ongoing HR projects – from employee engagement to welfare initiatives
What You’ll Bring
- Sound knowledge of Payroll, HR practices and employment policies
- Understanding of SMP, SSP, SPP, pensions, Tronc, tax, live‑ins, pro‑rating, and payroll variations
- Experience closing and checking rotas, and previewing payroll reports for accuracy
- Confidence in calculating estimates and explaining payroll matters clearly
- Ideally, hospitality experience or exposure to multi‑site operations
- Experience using systems such as Fourth, Sage, BambooHR, HiBob, or similar
- A proactive mindset with a keen eye for detail and process improvement
What’s in It for You
- Exposure to the full HR and payroll lifecycle, with scope to grow in both areas
- Support with professional development and qualifications
- Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family
- Access to earned wages in real time, plus financial and wellbeing tools
- Supermarket, retail, and bus fare discounts
- Up to 50% off hotel stays and dining across our venues
- Bike to Work Scheme
- Increasing holiday allowance
- Auto‑Enrolled Pension
- Free on‑site parking
Who We Are
We own and operate 15 hotels and venues across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, and Surrey, including well‑known names like The Mill Hotel in Sudbury, Kingscliff Hotel in Holland‑on‑Sea, and The George Hotel in Colchester. As part of the Flying Trade Group, a dynamic, international business with over 2,000 team members across 13 companies, we offer stability, variety, and opportunity. Our group spans industries from food manufacturing and leisure to construction and packaging. If you’re passionate about people and payroll and want to be part of a team that genuinely strives to evolve, we’d love to meet you. Stay. Explore. Discover.
HR Adviser employer: Surya Hotels
Join a dynamic team at our Colchester-based hospitality group, where your role as an HR Adviser will not only enhance your professional skills but also contribute to a supportive and engaging work culture. With opportunities for personal growth, access to a range of employee benefits including discounts on hotel stays and dining, and a commitment to your development through training and qualifications, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered. Be part of a thriving organisation that prioritises employee welfare and fosters a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Adviser
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Surya Hotels!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Surya Hotels.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Surya Hotels. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Surya Hotels and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Surya Hotels. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Surya Hotels's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surya Hotels
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Surya Hotels.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Surya Hotels will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Surya Hotels and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
