Graduate HR Administrator

Harrison Drury Solicitors; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Medicash health benefits cash plan and

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Holiday entitlement increases with长度

Job summary

Harrison Drury Solicitors in Preston is seeking an HR Administrator to join our Operations team. This graduate-level role offers hands-on experience across the full HR lifecycle and support toward the Level 5 CIPD qualification.

You will manage HR systems, generate reports, assist recruitment, onboarding, payroll liaison, and provide day-to-day HR guidance to managers in a busy legal environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate level or equivalent qualification.
• Pursuing CIPD Level 5 supported by the team.
• Experience in a professional services environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage HR software systems and ensure accurate data entry.
• Produce HR reports as required.
• Support recruitment activities: adverts, scheduling, and onboarding.
• Administer onboarding for new starters.
• Liaise with payroll to ensure smooth communication.
• Provide day-to-day HR advice to managers and employees.
• Assist with note-taking in meetings.
• Process resignations and leaver administration.
• Provide employment references as per policy.
• Coordinate work-experience placements and events.
• Contribute to HR projects and policy updates.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organisation & planning

Discretion & confidentiality

Self-motivation

IT skills

Independent & collaborative

Education

Graduate degree

CIPD Level 5 (qualification)

Tools

HR software

Job description

HR Administrator – Preston

Full‑time | Permanent | Graduate Level Harrison‑Drury is a market‑leading firm of solicitors with offices in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Staffordshire. We’re delighted to be named one of the UK’s Best Companies to work for for the third year running, placing at number 40 in the Top 100 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to Work For list. We also ranked 10th in the Best Companies to Work For in the Law Sector – achievements that reflect our commitment to creating a supportive, people‑focused workplace. We are an employer of choice because we challenge the conventional law‑firm approach and focus our energy on achieving great results for our clients while attracting, developing, and empowering brilliant people.

About the Role

Our Operations team is looking to recruit an HR Administrator — a fantastic opportunity for a graduate seeking to develop a career in HR. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across the full HR lifecycle and work towards a Level 5 CIPD qualification, supported by the team. You’ll provide accurate, timely, and professional HR support across the business, working closely with the HR Manager and Talent Acquisition Specialist. This role is ideal for someone who is organised, proactive, and confident working in a busy commercial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage HR software systems, ensuring accurate and timely data entry
• Produce HR reports as required
• Support recruitment activity: drafting adverts, acknowledging applicants, organising timetables, and scheduling interviews
• Administer the onboarding process for new starters
• Liaise with payroll to ensure smooth and accurate communication
• Provide day‑to‑day advice to managers and employees on general HR queries, escalating where needed
• Assist with note‑taking in meetings
• Process resignations and manage leaver administration
• Provide employment references in line with company policy
• Organise and facilitate work‑experience placements
• Coordinate careers events with educational partners
• Contribute to HR projects, including policy updates and accreditation maintenance
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal processes

Skills & Experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good organisation and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise
• Discretion and self‑awareness when handling confidential information
• Self‑motivated with a desire to learn and progress
• Strong IT skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Desirable

• Experience working as an HR Administrator within a professional services environment

Benefits

At Harrison‑Drury, we believe in rewarding our people and supporting their wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Hybrid working policy
• Medicash health benefits cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Holiday entitlement increases with length of service
• Paid time off for voluntary work (2 days per year)
• Free conveyancing for the purchase/sale of your primary residence
• Free individual or mirror Wills
• Employee referral scheme
• Biannual promotion and salary uplift application process
• Regular social events, including our annual Christmas party and staff recognition awards
• Progression towards professional qualifications (CIPD)

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an award‑winning, people‑focused firm
• Work alongside recognised experts in the field
• Enjoy a supportive culture that invests in development and wellbeing
• Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle
• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing team

Harrison Drury is a people business with relationships at its heart. We deliver legal services as trusted legal partners to businesses, individuals and families across Lancashire, Cumbria, Manchester, Merseyside and Staffordshire.