HR Assistant

HR Assistant We are looking for a proactive, organised HR Assistant to join our human resources team and provide comprehensive administrative and employee services support. The successful candidate will assist with recruitment processes, employee records, onboarding and offboarding, HR systems maintenance and general HR inquiries to ensure timely, accurate and compliant HR operations across the organisation. Key responsibilities – HR assistant duties and tasks Provide first-line support to employees and managers, responding to queries on HR policies, procedures and employee benefits professionally and within agreed timescales. Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records on the HRIS, ensuring data integrity and compliance with UK data protection legislation (GDPR). Support the end-to-end recruitment administration: prepare and post job adverts, screen CVs, schedule interviews and manage offer documentation. Coordinate onboarding activities for new starters, including preparing contracts, issuing starter packs, conducting right-to-work checks and arranging inductions. Assist with offboarding processes and exit documentation, ensuring equipment returns and completion of relevant leaver checks. Process changes to payroll-related information (e.g. starters, leavers, pay or deduction changes, absence) and liaise with payroll providers to support accurate pay runs. Support administration for learning and development activities, including booking training, maintaining training records and tracking mandatory compliance. Prepare routine HR reports, headcount data and metrics for management reporting and audit purposes. Support HR projects and policy updates, contributing to process improvements and employee engagement initiatives. Skills and experience required – HR assistant experience and qualifications Previous experience in an HR support, HR administrator or similar role within a busy office environment is desirable. Working knowledge of HR processes and familiarity with UK employment law basics and GDPR requirements. Experience using an HRIS or ATS and confident user of MS Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook. Strong attention to detail, excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision. Good interpersonal and communication skills; able to build positive relationships with colleagues at all levels and handle confidential information sensitively. Interest in developing a career in HR; CIPD qualification or studying towards CIPD is advantageous but not required. Personal attributes – HR assistant qualities Customer-service orientated with a helpful, solution-focused approach and a calm manner under pressure. Organised and methodical, with a commitment to accurate record keeping and process adherence. Adaptable team player who can work independently when required and contribute positively to team objectives. Eager to learn and committed to ongoing professional development in HR. What we offer – benefits for HR assistant Competitive salary and contributory pension scheme. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) and the option to buy or sell leave. Hybrid working pattern with a mix of office and home working. Employee assistance programme, private healthcare options and wellbeing initiatives. Support for professional development, including training and assistance towards CIPD qualifications. How to apply – HR assistant application process Please submit your CV and a concise covering letter outlining your relevant HR administration experience and your availability. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and may be asked to complete a short skills exercise. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK. Equal opportunities and diversity – inclusive HR assistant role We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Department People & Culture Role Operations Locations Northwich Remote status Hybrid About Dechra Write a short description of your company, a boilerplate of the business, service or product that you offer. Include your business idea and the target audience. This text is primarily supposed to be descriptive, not selling. Founded in 2012 Co-workers 500 Turnover 5M