HR Assistant (Recruitment and Operational HR)

Merrifield Consultants are delighted to be partnering with a union for educators in the UK to recruit an experienced HR Assistant (Recruitment & Operational HR) for a part‑time role supporting a busy HR function.

Summary of the role

This is a hands‑on HR support role focused on recruitment administration, onboarding, HR operations and maintaining accurate HR systems. Working 3 days per week, you will play a key part in ensuring smooth processes across recruitment, payroll inputs, employee lifecycle administration and general HR coordination. Ideal for someone with strong HR admin experience, excellent attention to detail and confidence managing multiple priorities.

Role details

Job title: HR Assistant (Recruitment & Operational HR)
Location: London
Working pattern: 0.6 FTE (3 days per week) – ideally Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, but flexibility considered
Contract: Until December 2026
Salary: £46,364 per annum (paid hourly, pro‑rata)
Working arrangements: 2 days in the office, 1 day from home
Annual leave: 33 days + 8 bank holidays + 4 Christmas closure days (pro‑rata)

Responsibilities

Recruitment support – Assist with end‑to‑end recruitment administration, including advertising roles, managing applications via the online portal, coordinating interviews and supporting hiring panels.
Onboarding & employee lifecycle – Prepare contractual documents, process new starters, leavers and changes, and ensure smooth transitions at all employment stages.
HR systems & data – Maintain accurate HR records, update databases, produce reports and ensure GDPR‑compliant filing systems.
Payroll administration – Support monthly payroll processes for starters, leavers and contractual changes.
Training coordination – Book training courses, liaise with providers and prepare materials for in‑house sessions.
Meetings & minute‑taking – Provide administrative support for hearings, committees and job evaluation meetings, including accurate note‑taking.
General HR office support – Manage communications, process invoices and provide responsive support to employees and managers.

Person specification

HR administration experience, ideally within a busy HR team
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication, with a professional and approachable manner
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Confident using Microsoft Office and HR information systems
Understanding of basic employment law, recruitment processes and data protection
Ability to take clear, accurate meeting notes
Proactive, flexible and collaborative working style

Conclusion

If you are an organised, detail‑focused HR professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, we would love to hear from you. Please apply today to be considered for this fantastic opportunity.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.