Contract: Fixed-term (Maternity Cover – 9 months)
Dates: 1st May 2025 – 28th February 2026
Reporting to: General Manager
Location: Office Based with some flexibility for remote
Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week
About Honesty Group
Honesty Group is an independent hospitality business operating cafés, pubs, farm shops and a wholesale bakery across Berkshire and Hampshire. Since launching in 2014, the business has grown steadily with a focus on producing honest, seasonal food made by people who care.
Our teams of chefs and bakers create fresh food daily using high-quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible. Alongside our venues, we also produce bakery and food products for wholesale partners and online customers.
At the heart of the business is a strong people culture. We believe great hospitality starts with great teams, and we are committed to creating supportive environments where people can grow, develop and take pride in their work.
Role Purpose
The Interim HR & Payroll Specialist will provide end-to-end operational HR support during a maternity cover period. The role is responsible for day-to-day people operations, employee relations support, HR compliance, and payroll administration, ensuring business continuity and a consistent employee experience across the organisation.
This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role acting as the first point of contact for routine HR matters while partnering closely with managers and senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources & Employee Relations:
* Act as the first point of contact for routine ER queries and general HR advice.
* Support managers with probation management, absence issues, and performance concerns.
* Advise managers on disciplinary and grievance processes, escalating complex matters where required.
* Prepare and maintain HR documentation, letters, and employee records in line with company policy and employment law.
* Maintain and update HR policies, procedures, and employee documentation as required.
* Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and internal processes.
* Maintain accurate employee data across HR systems.
Payroll & Benefits Administration
* Process payroll for salaried and hourly paid employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* Complete weekly rota checks to confirm hours worked, absences, and holiday inputs.
* Administer payroll deductions, expenses, advances, and statutory payments.
* Act as the first point of contact for payroll-related queries.
* Liaise with Finance and external payroll providers where required.
* Support pension administration and statutory reporting obligations.
Stakeholder Support & Business Continuity
* Work closely with the General Manager and senior leadership team to ensure HR continuity during the maternity period.
* Escalate sensitive or complex employee relations matters appropriately.
* Maintain clear documentation and structured handover notes to support a smooth transition on return from maternity leave.
Skills, Experience & Knowledge Essential
* Proven experience in a generalist HR role.
* Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
* Payroll administration experience for salaried and hourly employees.
* Excellent organisational and communication skills.
* Experience supporting managers with employee relations matters.
Desirable
* CIPD Level 5 (or working towards).
* Experience within hospitality or multi-site environments.
* Experience using HR or payroll systems such as Fourth or similar platforms.
Personal Attributes
* Confident and pragmatic approach to HR delivery.
* Able to manage competing priorities and work autonomously.
* Professional, discreet, and solutions-focused.
* Strong attention to detail with a compliance mindset.