Senior HR Administrator / HR Coordinator

Salary: £38,000 - £43,000 DOE
Location: Southampton Area
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Are You a Hands-On HR Professional Looking for Your Next Challenge?

We're looking for an experienced Senior HR Administrator, HR Coordinator or HR Officer who enjoys being involved in every aspect of the employee lifecycle.

This is a standalone HR position within a busy and growing business, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a varied role and enjoys rolling up their sleeves to get involved in both the administrative and advisory sides of HR.

The successful candidate will act as the central HR contact for the business, managing day-to-day HR operations while also providing support and cover for senior HR responsibilities when required. This is not a strategic HR Manager role. Instead, we're looking for someone who enjoys being hands-on, detail-oriented and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the people function.

This position would suit an experienced HR Coordinator, Senior HR Administrator, HR Officer or HR Advisor looking for a broad standalone role with plenty of autonomy and variety.

The Role

You'll be responsible for the smooth running of the HR function, supporting employees and managers across the full employee lifecycle while ensuring processes remain compliant, efficient and people-focused.

You will work closely with management teams, providing practical HR support and ensuring the business receives a professional and responsive HR service.

Key Responsibilities

HR Administration & Employee Lifecycle

• Manage employee records and HR documentation.
• Prepare contracts, offer letters and employment-related paperwork.
• Coordinate onboarding and induction processes.
• Maintain HR systems and personnel files.
• Manage probation reviews and employee lifecycle administration.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and company policies.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Coordinate the end-to-end recruitment process.
• Draft and advertise vacancies.
• Screen applications and arrange interviews.
• Prepare offer documentation and complete pre-employment checks.
• Support managers with recruitment activities.
• Deliver an excellent onboarding experience for new starters.

Employee Relations Support

• Provide first-line advice and support to managers and employees.
• Assist with disciplinary, grievance, absence and performance management processes.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are applied consistently.
• Support investigation and note-taking processes where required.
• Escalate complex matters appropriately.

Payroll & HR Operations

• Prepare and process payroll information accurately.
• Liaise with payroll providers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage holiday, sickness and absence records.
• Produce HR and payroll reports as required.
• Ensure payroll changes are processed accurately and on time.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Support the preparation and monitoring of HR budgets.
• Track training, recruitment and people-related expenditure.
• Produce regular management reports and workforce information.
• Monitor absence, turnover and recruitment activity.

HR Manager Support

• Provide support and cover for senior HR responsibilities when required.
• Assist management teams with HR projects and process improvements.
• Ensure continuity of HR support across the business.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for managers and employees.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Previous experience in a standalone or broad HR administration role.
• Strong HR administration and employee lifecycle experience.
• Exposure to employee relations, recruitment and onboarding.
• Payroll administration experience.
• Experience supporting managers with people-related issues.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.

Desirable

• CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 qualification.
• Hospitality, leisure, retail, SME or multi-site experience.
• Experience working within a standalone HR environment.
• Knowledge of HR systems and payroll processes.
• Experience preparing budgets or monitoring departmental spend.

Why Join?

• Varied and autonomous standalone HR role.
• Opportunity to be involved in all areas of HR.
• Supportive leadership team.
• Genuine opportunity to make a difference within the business.
• Competitive salary of £38,000 - £43,000 depending on experience.
• Long-term career opportunity within a growing organisation.

This role would suit a strong HR Administrator, HR Coordinator or HR Officer who enjoys being hands-on and operational, while having the confidence and capability to support managers and step up when senior HR support is required.