One of the UK's leading national children’s charities are seeking an enthusiastic HR & Systems Officer to join their dedicated, experienced and growing team of professionals as they embark on a journey of expansion in Newcastle under Lyme.  This is a fixed term contract for a period of 12 months.

This is a full-time role based in state-of-the-art facilities and there is an informal homeworking option available for up to 40% of the week, after passing probation, and subject to work and team requirements.

About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment and will be a key role within the People Team, combining operational HR with ownership of HR systems and data.

The HR Systems Officer will be responsible for maintaining accurate people data, supporting the full employee lifecycle and leading the sourcing, implementation and embedding of a new HR Information System (HRIS). This will include managing the tender process, coordinating trials and testing, cleansing and migrating data, supporting system configuration and acting as the main point of contact throughout implementation and post-go-live.

You will also assist the wider team in providing maternity cover for the HR Administrator, ensuring continuity of HR operations and compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and internal policies.

HR Operations & Administration:

• Manage HR administration across the full employee lifecycle, including starters, leavers, changes and contractual documentation
• Prepare offer letters, contracts of employment and variation letters in line with legislation and charity policy
• Conduct pre-employment checks including references, DBS and right to work checks, ensuring safer recruitment standards are met
• Maintain accurate records for sickness absence, annual leave and other types of leave
• Support disciplinary, grievance and capability processes by preparing documentation and maintaining records
• Assist with payroll preparation, ensuring timely and accurate data submission
• Support pension auto-enrolment processes and benefits administration
• Maintain training, appraisal and compliance records, including DBS renewals
• Act as a first point of contact for HR queries from managers and colleagues, providing clear and professional advice within remit

HR Systems (HRIS) & Data Management, with input from the wider team:

• Lead the sourcing and selection of a new HR Information System
• Supporting the development of requirements and specifications
• Managing the tender process in line with charity procurement procedures
• Coordinating supplier demonstrations and trials

Lead the HRIS implementation, including:

• Data audit, cleansing and preparation for migration
• System configuration, testing and user acceptance testing
• Liaising with system suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Manage the migration of HR data, ensuring accuracy, GDPR compliance and data integrity.
• Develop and maintain HR reports and dashboards to support workforce planning, compliance and decision-making.
• Produce system guidance and support materials and provide training to colleagues and managers as required
• Act as system administrator post-implementation, embedding the HRIS into business-as-usual processes
• Provide regular project updates and reports to the Leadership Team

Compliance, Safeguarding & Governance:

• Ensure all activity complies with employment legislation, GDPR, safeguarding requirements and internal policies
• Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive personal and organisational data at all times
• Support ISO, CQC and other audit requirements by maintaining accurate and accessible records
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all practices and interactions

About the rewards
As HR & Systems Officer you will work 37.5 hours per week, with an informal homeworking option available for up to 40% of the week, subject to work and team requirements.  The Charity is an Equal Opportunities Employer, and the role offers a host of superb benefits including:

• A salary of up to £34,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience
• 27 days annual leave per annum exclusive of Bank Holidays (increasing with length of service)
• Charity worker discounts
• Recommend a friend scheme
• Enhanced annual leave
• Occupational sick pay after qualifying period
• Award winning purpose-built facilities
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Indoor and outdoor breakout areas
• Chill-out areas
• Lockers and Showers
• Sensory gardens
• Flexible working patterns
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme

About you
To be successful for the role of HR & Systems Officer, you will have the following skills and attributes:

Essential Criteria:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Demonstrable experience in an HR Officer, HR Assistant or similar role
• Experience working with HRIS (off-the-shelf and/or bespoke systems) and managing HR data
• Strong understanding of GDPR and data accuracy requirements
• Excellent IT skills, including confidence working with databases and reporting tools and analytics
• Highly organised with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage competing deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• A positive ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to work

Desirable Criteria:

• CIPD qualification and professional membership
• Experience of implementing or significantly upgrading an HRIS
• Experience working in the charity or third sector
• Knowledge of safer recruitment and DBS processes
• Experience of working in ISO or CQC regulated environments

About the Charity
Our client is a national charity and a is a Disability Confident employer, who aims to change people’s lives, change the way society perceives and treats disabled and autistic people and change the way that charities operate, through the provision of child-centred practical and emotional services, passionate campaigning and demonstrating best practice.  They believe in a world where disabled and autistic children have the choice, opportunity, dignity and understanding they deserve.

How to Apply
eRecruitSmart is advertising the role of HR & Systems Officer on behalf of the Hiring Company and to apply, you must reside in and have eligibility to work in the UK.   

Please apply with your CV detailing full career and academic history of achievements with associated dates.  A full application form will be required prior to interview to comply with Safer Recruitment Practices.

Thank you for your interest in this position.