HR Officer

The Opportunity

An established and highly respected UK business within the forestry, timber and land management sector is seeking a Human Resources Officer to join its head office team in Carlisle.

With more than 50 years of successful trading and a national footprint across the UK, the organisation employs approximately 150 people and has built a strong reputation within its specialist market. Due to the forthcoming departure of a long-serving HR team member, an opportunity has arisen for an HR professional to join a small but busy HR function and play a key role in supporting employees and managers across the business.

Reporting to the HR Manager, you will become part of a two-person HR team supporting a diverse workforce operating across multiple locations throughout the UK.This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and resilient HR professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and building strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional and timely HR advice and guidance to managers and employees across the business on a range of people matters.
• Support employee relations activities including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, performance and capability processes.
• Accurately record meeting notes and prepare formal HR correspondence and documentation.
• Assist in the review, development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Manage end-to-end recruitment activities including advertising, screening, interview coordination, onboarding and induction.
• Coordinate offboarding activities, ensuring all leaver processes are completed efficiently and professionally.
• Provide support and guidance relating to probationary periods and employee development.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure HR systems remain up to date.
• Produce HR reports, metrics and management information as required.
• Manage HR administration processes and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support internal communications and employee engagement activities.
• Partner with managers across operational and support functions throughout the UK.
• Ensure HR activities are delivered in line with employment legislation, company policies and best practice.
• Undertake additional HR and administrative duties as required.

About You

The successful candidate will be a confident HR professional who is comfortable operating within a busy office environment and supporting managers across a range of situations.

You will ideally possess:

• CIPD Level 3 qualification as a minimum or be actively working towards completion.
• Previous experience within a generalist HR position.
• Experience supporting employee relations matters from start to finish.
• Good working knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and administrative capability.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge appropriately when required.
• The ability to remain objective, professional and resilient when dealing with sensitive matters.
• A proactive and practical approach to problem solving.
• Experience using HR systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Personal Attributes

• Thrives in a busy and varied workload.
• Is highly organised and able to juggle competing demands.
• Has the confidence and credibility to support and challenge managers when necessary.
• Can maintain professional boundaries and avoid becoming personally involved in workplace issues.
• Is adaptable, approachable and capable of building effective working relationships across the organisation.
• Enjoys working as part of a small team where flexibility and initiative are important.

Recruitment Process

• One-stage, face-to-face interview process.
• Practical HR-based scenarios and assessment exercises will form part of the selection process.
• Interviews will be arranged as suitable applications are received.