The HR Operations Officer is responsible for delivering efficient and effective HR operational support across the employee lifecycle. The role provides coordination across HR systems, people data, recruitment, benefits, payroll inputs and employee processes, ensuring a high-quality service to employees and managers.

Key Responsibilities

HR Systems

• Manage and maintain HR systems, ensuring effective day-to-day operation, strong data integrity and a positive user experience

• Deliver ongoing system administration, maintenance and development activities, including workflow improvements, testing and system configuration.

• Identify and manage automation opportunities and process improvements that enhance efficiency and service delivery.

• Develop efficiency deliverables via project initiatives that enhance the work and profile of the HR team for the benefit of Chatham House,

• Provide support to the Talent & Development Manager.

• Maintain HR system documentation, user guidance and process records ensuring they are accurate, accessible and aligned with processes.

• Support the good maintenance and improvement of all HR Platforms, including working with the Talent and Development Lead on recruitment processing on the ATS e.g. CV sifting, interview scheduling etc

HR Data, Reporting and Administration

• Ensure the accuracy, integrity and maintenance of employee and organisational HR data.

• Responsible for administering employee benefits through relevant provider platforms and systems.

• Prepare and produce regular HR reports, management information and routine workforce analysis.

• Prepare and validate payroll data inputs for submission, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Assume first point of contact status within HR for all payroll queries, both internally and externally with our payroll provider.

• Work in tandem with Finance Partners to ensure seamless communication and delivery.

• Support the team with project administration, data collection and reporting activities.

• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation and maintain confidentiality of employee information at all times.

Employee Lifecycle Coordination

• Manage employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, probation administration, contractual changes, promotions, internal moves and offboarding.

• Own the administrative process for the JNC and monthly and annual remuneration reviews, working closely with the Head of HR to improve efficiencies, data collection and reporting.

• Deliver recruitment coordination activities, including interview scheduling, candidate communications and recruitment administration.

• Act as a first point of contact for routine employee queries.

Communication and Employee Support

• Prepare and distribute HR updates, communications and guidance to employees and stakeholders, including process updates and benefits information.

• Manage the HR Inbox coordinating queries and responses in a timely and responsive manner

• Provide guidance on HR processes, procedures and associated documentation.

• Support the communication and implementation of HR policies, initiatives and organisational changes.

• Develop strong relationships, demonstrating positive and collaborative behaviours with key HR Stakeholders and wider colleagues across the Institute.

• Champion Chatham House's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion agenda in line with the One Chatham House initiative.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in an HR administration, HR operations or people coordination role which included supporting payroll processes and data validation.

• Experience using HR systems and databases, with a strong interest in HR technology, systems development and process improvement. Access systems knowledge is advantageous.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Experience producing reports and maintaining accurate data records.

• Comfortable with generating and reporting on HR Analytics.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work to deadlines.

• Experience supporting HR systems implementation or improvement projects.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Desirable

• CIPD qualification or studying towards CIPD accreditation.

• Experience administering employee benefits.

• Experience using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Knowledge of UK employment legislation and HR best practice.