At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR administration and manage the employee lifecycle in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a leader in engineering since 1847.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days holiday, and a supportive hybrid working environment.
- Other info: Immediate start available; applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a people-focused organisation dedicated to improving the world through engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR administration and payroll, with strong communication and organisational skills.
People and Culture Assistant
Birdcage Walk, London (with hybrid working)
About Us
With over 110,000 members in 140 countries, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has been at the heart of the mechanical engineering profession since 1847. We strive to improve the world through engineering by developing engineers, promoting engineering, informing opinion and encouraging innovation. We are proud to have achieved workplace accreditations - Invest in People Gold and Invest in Wellbeing Silver. These awards reflect our organisation’s commitment to our employees, who are a vital part of supporting the engineering community.
We are now seeking a motivated People and Culture (P&C) Assistant to join us on a full time, permanent basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work truly makes an impact.
The Role
As a P&C Assistant, you will provide high-quality HR administration that underpins effective people support across our organisation. Working closely with our P&C Business Partners and the wider team, you will manage the employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding, maintain accurate records, and act as a key point of contact for employee queries. You will support inductions and training activity, keep documentation up to date, and ensure managers and employees receive timely, professional guidance aligned with policies and best practice.
Additionally, you will:
- Lead monthly payroll administration, facilitating necessary reports and other payroll-related tasks such as annual P11d process
- Liaise with Finance and external auditors, supporting reporting, processing invoices and audit activity
- Act as an IRIS Cascade superuser, maintaining records, producing HR data-driven reports and providing guidance and training to managers and employees
- Manage administrative tasks for new starters, leavers and employee-related changes
About You
To be considered as a P&C Assistant, you will need:
- Experience leading administration within an HR and payroll environment
- Experience using HR Information Systems for administration and reporting purposes
- Experience using Microsoft Office products, including intermediate to advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
- Experience achieving a high level of customer care in a customer-focused environment
- Good communication, organisational and time-management skills
- Good numeracy skills with attention to detail
- To be educated to GCSE level, at a minimum, with five passes, including English and Maths
The Benefits
- Salary of circa £33,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 26 days’ holiday per annum plus bank holidays
- Benefits, including stakeholder pension scheme, life assurance, birthday leave, and optional private health cover
- Other benefits as detailed in our generous and competitive benefits package
This is a terrific opportunity for a motivated, detail-driven HR administrator with solid payroll experience to join our people-centred organisation. In return for your expertise, you will enjoy a supportive, hybrid working environment, strong wellbeing and people-first values, alongside the satisfaction of contributing to an organisation that exists to improve the world through engineering, while being genuinely invested in its people.
So, if you want to take the next step in your career and join us as our P&C Assistant, please apply via the button shown. The closing date for this role is 8th May 2026. Due to this recruitment being time sensitive, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received. An immediate start will be available for the right candidate.
This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. Webrecruit and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
People & Culture Assistant employer: The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a commitment to innovation and development, employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a range of perks including a stakeholder pension scheme and optional private health cover. Located in the heart of London, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility while contributing to meaningful engineering advancements.
Contact Details:
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Culture Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at IMechE on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. IMechE is all about improving the world through engineering, so think about how your skills align with their mission and be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your HR skills during the interview! Be ready to discuss your experience with payroll administration and HRIS systems. Bring along any relevant reports or data you've worked on to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at IMechE.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Culture Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the P&C Assistant role. Highlight your HR and payroll experience, and show us how your skills align with our values and the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical skills and how they can contribute to our team.
Be Personable:Since this role involves a lot of communication, let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone in your application to show us you’re approachable and ready to support our employees.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a People & Culture Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with HR administration, payroll processes, and the specific systems mentioned in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience with HR Information Systems and your proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint. Think of specific situations where you've demonstrated excellent customer care or attention to detail, as these are key skills for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers values a people-first approach, so let your personality shine through. Be genuine in your responses and express your passion for supporting others in their professional journeys. This will resonate well with the interviewers and reflect the organisation's values.
