A proactive and detail-oriented HR Assistant/ HR Coordinator is required to join a professional services firm on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. Working full time on site within a busy environment, this role provides essential administrative and operational support to the HR Manager. It is ideal for an individual with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in supporting HR processes. The position would suit an experienced HR Administrator or Assistant seeking a role with broader scope and responsibility. Key Responsibilities: HR Administration: Provide comprehensive administrative support for HR processes, including preparing contracts, offer letters, and employment-related documents. Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, ensuring compliance with policy, legal requirements, and GDPR. Manage HR inbox queries, responding promptly or escalating where necessary. Provide administrative support to the HR Manager. Recruitment Support: Coordinate recruitment activities, including job advertising, shortlisting, candidate correspondence, scheduling, and assisting with interviews. Liaise with recruitment agencies and job boards as required. Support the graduate recruitment processes, including vacation schemes and trainee assessment days. Employee Lifecycle Support: Manage onboarding processes, including sending job offers, preparing new joiner documentation, and arranging induction schedules. Conduct pre-employment checks, including references, right-to-work verification, and background screening. Oversee HR processes such as probation reviews and absence management. Support performance review processes, ensuring completion. Update HR systems with employee changes, including promotions, salary adjustments, and contract amendments. Coordinate training and membership request processes. Manage the offboarding process, including scheduling and conducting exit interviews where appropriate. Employee Relations: Act as a point of contact for general HR queries, providing guidance or escalating where necessary. Assist in drafting letters and documentation related to employee relations matters, including disciplinary and grievance issues. Support well-being and engagement initiatives. Payroll and Benefits Administration: Provide accurate payroll-related data to the finance team. Administer employee benefits, including pension schemes, health schemes, and other benefits. Serve as the first point of contact for employee queries regarding payroll and benefits. Compliance and Policy Support: Support the implementation and maintenance of HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with relevant laws and best practices. Assist with compliance audits and reporting requirements. Requirements: Minimum CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate (or currently working towards it). Proven experience as an HR Assistant, HR Administrator, or similar HR role. Experience in the legal or professional services industry is preferred. Skills and Attributes: Self-motivated, flexible, and well-organised. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally. A proactive approach with a "can-do" attitude. Excellent attention to detail. Proficiency in Outlook, Word, and Excel. Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Professional demeanour, acting as an ambassador for the organisation. Package: Salary dependent on experience. 22 days of bookable annual leave, plus Bank Holidays, and an additional 3 days for the Christmas to New Year closure (pro-rata for part-time staff). Access to a medical benefits scheme and Employee Assistance Programme. Death in service and income protection benefits. Workplace pension scheme with options for enhanced contributions. Sick pay policy. Additional holiday entitlement for long service. Applications are encouraged from all backgrounds, and candidates are assessed based on their suitability for the role, qualifications, and experience.