HR Assistant

Introduction Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. What you will be part of Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

The Role

The HR Assistant role will provide Operational and administrative support for the HR function of our Saab Seaeye Business Unit. The role requires high levels of discretion and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment and Onboarding
• Supporting the recruitment team with offers of employment and contracts through to the onboarding and induction programs.
• Supporting Managers through the process and taking lead to feed back to the recruitment team.
• Prepare contracts of employment for all new starters and internal transfers
• Responsible for the new starter process and inductions, ensuring all necessary paperwork is returned and accurately completed
• Support pre-employment checks, right to work, including BPSS and higher-level security clearances where applicable
• Liaise with hiring managers and security teams to ensure timely and compliant onboarding
• Payroll and Benefits support
• Ensure that accurate and timely data is prepared for payroll each month, taking responsibility for all aspects of the data e.g. overtime, personal detail changes etc
• Responsible for all benefits administration including starters and leavers for Private medical cover, dental, salary sacrifice etc
• Employee relations, in conjunction with the HR team
• Provide guidance and advice to Managers dealing with any potential grievances or disciplinaries and keep the Snr HRBP informed of more complex issues
• Support formal steps in the process where HR is required
• Support absence management conversations where required
• Wellbeing and employee engagement
• Championing wellbeing, engagement and collaboration will be core to this role.
• Take part in campus initiatives in driving wellbeing and engagement for all staff
• Support the Snr HRBP in reviewing staff survey feedback and suggest actions to improve certain areas.
• HR Operations and Administration
• Deliver all day-to-day HR Operations and administration across the employee lifecycle
• Manage and maintain accurate employee data, including new starters, changes, leavers, induction, probation and annual leave
• Maintain personnel files, ensuring they are well organised and up to date
• Take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of data on the HR systems
• Support all HR systems users, giving guidance as and when required
• Maintain confidentiality of data and departmental security at all times
• Responsible for booking all internal/external training courses, ensuring all completed training courses are entered into Workday
• Ensure all mandatory training is monitored, updated and delivered on time and all records are updated and maintained accurately and efficiently
• To undertake other tasks as and when required.

Skills and Qualifications

Required: Experience of working within a fast-paced HR environment, ideally manufacturing or retail; Experience of delivering a broad range of HR advice; Understanding of end-to-end HR processes and procedures; Ability to identify and resolve standard HR problems or issues and take necessary actions to prevent them from developing; Good knowledge of HR processes and employment practices; Ability to advise and support managers confidently and pragmatically; Empathy and sound judgement when handling sensitive or complex people matters; Proven ability to plan and prioritise a busy workload and meet agreed targets/deadlines; Excellent attention to detail; Professional, reliable and self-sufficient; Friendly, approachable with a can-do attitude

Desirable: CIPD Level 5 qualification or similar qualification / experience; Experience using Workday or other HR systems and data analysis tools; Knowledge of HR regulations, law and best practice; Experience implementing new initiatives and change to support organisational growth; Experience handling sensitive employee relations matters

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.

At Saab, you'll be empowered to make a real difference. Join colleagues worldwide who share one purpose - keeping people and society safe through innovative defence and security solutions. What makes that difference possible? You. We're a global leader in air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics, with approximately 28,000 employees across all continents. Our transformative approach combines deep expertise with continuous innovation - investing one-fifth of our earnings in research and development to solve tomorrow's challenges today. But technology alone doesn't create safety. Your perspective, your skills, your contribution - that's what transforms possibility into reality. Here, diversity strengthens everything we do. You'll find unlimited opportunities to advance your career whilst maintaining balance in your life beyond work. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person can fully focus on what matters. Saab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.