At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll, support HR queries, and maintain employee records in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Searchlight Ventures, a vibrant group behind cinemas and entertainment venues across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free cinema tickets, 33 days holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Ongoing training and career development opportunities in a supportive office culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a people-focused team during an exciting growth phase in the entertainment industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR/Payroll administration and strong understanding of payroll processes required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Searchlight Ventures is the group company for The Light Cinemas, Light Entertainment and All Star Lanes. We operate a growing network of cinema, entertainment and hospitality venues across the UK, bringing together film, leisure activities, food and drink to create memorable experiences for our guests. With a focus on excellence, collaboration and employee development, we are committed to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. As the business continues to expand we are now looking for an approachable and detail‑oriented HR & Payroll Coordinator to join the People Team in our Soho Support Office.
About the role
As a HR & Payroll Coordinator you will take ownership of the monthly and fortnightly payroll process, be the first point of contact for day‑to‑day HR and employee relations (ER) queries for managers and employees, and support the smooth running of our Support Office with ad‑hoc duties as required.
What you will be doing:
- Manage and process monthly and fortnightly payroll, ensuring accuracy and deadlines are met
- Maintain and update employee records, including starters, leavers, and changes
- Respond to payroll and HR queries, escalating complex issues when needed
- Act as first point of contact for employee relations matters
- Provide guidance on absence, performance, and HR policies
- Support onboarding processes and documentation
- Produce reports for payroll, HR checks, and projects
- Deliver general HR administrative support
- Assist with day‑to‑day office operations, including facilities and supplies
- Help maintain an organised and welcoming office environment
What’s in it for you:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Free cinema tickets, discounts on food, drink and leisure activities across our venues
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Pension scheme
- Life insurance
- Wagestream – access your hard‑earned £££ whenever you need
- Health & Wellbeing support
- Mental Health advice via Hospitality Action
- Hybrid working (1 day from home) and a supportive office environment
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- Ongoing training, learning and career development opportunities
- The chance to be part of a collaborative and people‑focused team during an exciting time of growth
About You:
- Previous experience in an HR/Payroll administration role, ideally in a hospitality or retail environment
- Strong understanding of payroll processes and common calculations
- Confident in advising managers and employees alike on day‑to‑day ER issues
- Comfortable using HR systems, with the ability to learn new processes quickly
- Excellent attention to detail, especially when working with payroll data
- Approachable, supportive and able to build strong working relationships
- Flexible and willing to support wider Support Office management when needed
If you’re a people‑focused, detail‑oriented professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, we’d love to hear from you. Our dedicated Recruitment Team will review every application, and get in touch to arrange a chat with suitable candidates. If we don’t feel like you are the right match for now, we will make sure to let you know, however detailed feedback won’t be provided at this stage.
HR and Payroll Coordinator in City of Westminster employer: The Light
Searchlight Ventures is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As an HR and Payroll Coordinator in our Soho Support Office, you will enjoy competitive benefits, including free cinema tickets, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for ongoing training, all while being part of a dynamic team during an exciting period of growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR and Payroll Coordinator in City of Westminster
✨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 The Light!
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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 The Light.
We think you need these skills to ace HR and Payroll Coordinator in City of Westminster
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 The Light. 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 The Light 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 The Light. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Light'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 The Light
✨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 The Light.
✨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 The Light 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 The Light and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
