HR Administrator (12-Month Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover) Location: Northwich Salary: £25,000 – £27,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Hours: Full-time or part-time options available Howard James Recruitment are delighted to be supporting a fantastic Northwich-based business in their search for an organised and proactive HR Administrator to join the team for a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone looking to further their career in HR within a supportive, people-focused environment that truly values its employees and encourages professional growth. The Role As HR Administrator, you’ll play a key role in supporting the HR function and ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day HR operations. You’ll be the first point of contact for HR-related queries, assist with recruitment and onboarding, maintain accurate employee records, and provide essential administrative support across a range of HR processes. Key Responsibilities * Act as the first point of contact for employee and manager HR queries. * Support end-to-end recruitment processes including job postings, arranging interviews, liaising with candidates, and preparing offer documentation. * Coordinate onboarding and induction activities for new starters. * Manage employee lifecycle administration – including starters, leavers and contract changes. * Maintain accurate employee data using the HR system (Bright HR). * Support payroll by providing relevant employee information. * Administer absence management, probation tracking and other routine HR processes. * Coordinate and record employee training activities. * Support HR projects and initiatives such as engagement events and graduate recruitment. * Help ensure HR policies and documentation are kept up to date. * Handle all HR-related information confidentially and professionally. About You * Previous experience in an HR administrative or similar support role is desirable. * A genuine interest in developing a career in HR. * Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively. * Excellent attention to detail and high levels of accuracy. * Confident communicator with a professional and friendly manner. * Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel) and ideally familiar with HR systems. * CIPD Level 3 qualification is advantageous but not essential. * A proactive, flexible and discreet approach to work. If you’re an enthusiastic and organised individual who thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to join a company that truly values its people and supports your professional development every step of the way