HR Administrator

HR Administrator - Reading Students’ Union

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire
Salary: £23,968.16 - £26,462.78 per annum
Contract: Fixed term contract for 12 months
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Office based

Closing date: Monday 23 November 2026
Interviews: Thursday 3 December 2026

Help create an outstanding employee experience and support the people who make a difference to students every day.

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy

HR Administrator

Are you highly organised, detail-oriented and passionate about delivering excellent customer service? Do you enjoy coordinating processes, maintaining accurate records and helping people navigate employment-related matters with confidence?

We're looking for a proactive and approachable HR Administrator to join our HR team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the employee lifecycle, recruitment activities and HR operations across Reading Students' Union and Little Learners Nursery.

As the first point of contact for many HR enquiries, you'll help ensure colleagues, managers and candidates receive accurate information, excellent support and a positive experience throughout their journey with us.

What You'll Do

You'll provide high-quality administrative support across a wide range of HR activities, helping ensure our people processes run smoothly, compliance requirements are met and employees receive an excellent service.

Support HR Enquiries and Service Delivery

• Manage the HR inbox and respond to routine enquiries professionally and promptly.
• Provide information from approved HR guidance and explain processes clearly.
• Coordinate appointments, reminders and HR administrative tasks.
• Escalate urgent or complex matters to the appropriate manager.
• Help ensure HR service standards and deadlines are consistently achieved.

Coordinate Recruitment and Appointments

• Support vacancy advertising, candidate communications and interview arrangements.
• Coordinate recruitment administration and maintain accurate records throughout the hiring process.
• Support student staff recruitment campaigns and recruitment events.
• Arrange references and pre-employment checks.
• Support fair and inclusive recruitment practices across the organisation.

Support Onboarding and Probation

• Coordinate right-to-work, qualification and DBS checks where appropriate.
• Maintain induction schedules and onboarding checklists.
• Liaise with managers, IT and other departments to ensure a smooth start for new employees.
• Support payroll setup activities for new starters.
• Monitor probation reviews and follow up on outstanding actions.

Support Employee Changes and Leavers

• Maintain accurate employee records and process approved changes.
• Support absence recording and leave administration.
• Coordinate leaver processes, including references, equipment returns and system access removal.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure timely completion of actions.

Coordinate Learning, Engagement and Communications

• Arrange training bookings and maintain training records.
• Support HR inductions for employees and Sabbatical Officers.
• Help coordinate staff surveys, engagement activities and recognition events.
• Track feedback and support the delivery of follow-up actions.

Maintain HR Systems and Compliance

• Maintain accurate HR systems, databases and employee records.
• Ensure information is stored securely and in line with data protection requirements.
• Maintain HR templates, documentation and policy records.
• Support compliance monitoring and HR improvement projects.
• Help improve processes, checklists and workflows.

About You

We're looking for someone who is organised, reliable, approachable and committed to providing excellent customer service.

Essential

• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or equivalent).
• Experience managing confidential records and competing priorities in a busy administrative environment.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience responding to enquiries and providing customer-focused support.
• Confidence using Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Ability to organise meetings, maintain trackers and manage administrative processes.
• Ability to work accurately with data, records and reports.
• A proactive approach to following up actions and meeting deadlines.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and excellent service delivery.

Desirable

• Knowledge of HR practices through study or practical experience.
• Experience coordinating recruitment, onboarding or similar people processes.
• Experience of HR administration, payroll inputs or high-volume recruitment.
• Understanding of right-to-work and pre-employment compliance processes.
• Experience within a Students' Union, charity, education or nursery environment.
• Knowledge of employee lifecycle administration and HR systems.

Why Join Us?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture.
• 35 days' annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Students’ Union, set on a stunning, green campus.

Ready to start or build your HR career in a supportive and people-focused environment? Apply today!

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity and embedding sustainability, building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.