HR Operations Specialist

HR Operations Specialist (6 month Fixed term Contract)
£24,000 - £28,000 experience dependent

First Customer Contact is part of First Group, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK. First Group operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. First Group works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

The HR operations Specialist plays a key role in supporting the full employee lifecycle from, policy guidance for employees and managers, onboarding, off‑boarding, employee survey engagement to benefits administration and compliance. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands‑on, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and is passionate about creating a positive employee experience.

You'll partner closely with managers and employees to ensure the HR function is compliant, deliver consistent and high‑quality first‑line HR support to employees addressing HR‑related queries and ensuring timely, accurate resolutions through the ticketing system and contribute ideas to improve how we attract, develop, and retain great people.

• Support day‑to‑day HR operations, including onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, and data management.
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee and manager questions related to HR policies, benefits, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure compliance with data privacy requirements.
• Assist with new hire onboarding to ensure a seamless and engaging experience.
• Assume primary responsibility for the management of the office space. (This includes ordering note pads, pens, water bottles just to mention a few).
• 6 monthly probation reviews for employees across all levels throughout the business.
• Collaborate with the finance team to produce monthly payroll administration.
• Administration of the change request process and any other letters that should be sent by HR to employees.
• Review and oversee ongoing appraisal process supporting line managers.
• Utilise HR systems software, ensuring the accurate information and uploading of the data to the systems.
• Addressing EE and Management queries, providing guidance and assistance on our policies and procedures.
• Handling confidential information (recording and processing) in meetings i.e. note taking in employee relations meetings.

• Contribute to HR initiatives such as engagement surveys, learning programs, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR operations and enhance employee experience.

• Partner with managers to promote a positive and high‑performing workplace culture.
• Manage employee concerns, manager concerns and performance management processes with discretion and professionalism.

• Communication skills
  :
  You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across teams.
• Attention to detail
  :
  You will have strong attention to detail and excellent organisational ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Technology proficiency
  :
  You will be comfortable using a range of technology tools and systems (experience with Workday is a plus).
• Confidentiality: You will be able to always handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Candidate experience: You will have HR operations or HR Service experience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Software skills: You will be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Resilience
  :
  You will be able to work effectively under pressure and thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Proactive mindset: You will demonstrate a proactive attitude and a strong willingness to learn and take initiative.
• Best Practice: Ideally you will have a HR generalist background
• Employment Law: You must have up to date employment law knowledge

• CIPD level 3 or 5
• BA/BSc Human Resources Management / Business and Finance / Business Management…