HR Assistant

Alkegen; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials company in Macclesfield is looking for an HR Assistant (Apprentice) to provide hands-on support across various HR activities. You will assist with administrative tasks, recruitment processes, and employee relations, while working towards a recognized HR qualification. This role offers a chance to develop skills and gain practical experience in a dynamic HR environment. Ideal candidates should have a genuine interest in HR and strong communication abilities.

Benefits

Fully funded HR qualification

On-the-job training and mentoring

Exposure to all areas of HR

Opportunity to develop skills and progress

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in pursuing a career in HR.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to handle confidential information sensitively.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to HR Business Partner.
• Support the recruitment process and onboarding activities.
• Assist with employee lifecycle processes.
• Help HR colleagues with note-taking during meetings.
• Coordinate company events and HR initiatives.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Proactive

IT skills including MS Office

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths

Eligibility for Level 3/Level 5 HR apprenticeship

Job description

This is an entry‑level apprenticeship role designed to provide hands‑on experience across a broad range of HR activities while working toward a recognised HR qualification (e.g., CIPD Level 3 or level 5). The HR Assistant (Apprentice) will support the HR Business Partner, within the Battery and Mobility (BAM) Business Unit, in delivering high‑quality HR services to the business, ensuring an efficient, professional and confidential service. HR Administration

Administrative Support

• Provide day‑to‑day administrative support to the HR Business Partner.
• Maintain accurate employee records on HR systems (e.g., Workday).
• Assist with preparing HR documents, including contracts, offer letters, and reference requests.
• Support the maintenance of personnel files in line with GDPR and company policy.
• Assist with HR reporting, data entry and ensuring accuracy of information.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Support the recruitment process by posting job adverts, scheduling interviews, and communicating with candidates.
• Assist with preparing interview packs and maintaining the applicant tracking system.
• Help coordinate onboarding activities, including induction schedules and new starter documentation.
• Set up new starter files and ensure system updates are completed.

Employee Lifecycle Support

• Support processes such as new starters, leavers, probation reviews and contract changes.
• Assist with organising training sessions, booking rooms, and tracking attendance.
• Help maintain absence records and support the production of absence reports.

Employee Relations Support

• Support HR colleagues with note‑taking during formal and informal meetings (e.g., investigations, reviews).
• Observe and learn how HR colleagues manage ER cases, ensuring confidentiality at all times.

General HR Support

• Provide a first point of contact for basic HR queries, escalating more complex issues appropriately to the HR Business Partner.
• Assist in coordinating company events, recognition initiatives and engagement activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments to support HR initiatives.

What You Will Learn

• UK employment law foundations
• HR processes across the full employee lifecycle
• Recruitment and selection principles
• HR system usage and data management
• Effective communication and problem solving
• Handling confidential information professionally
• Managing workload and prioritising tasks

You will also complete a recognised qualification such as CIPD Level 3 HR Support (or equivalent) or CIPD Level 5 HR Associate Diploma in People Management (or equivalent) with study time provided.

Benefits

• Fully funded HR qualification
• On‑the‑job training and mentoring
• Exposure to all areas of HR
• Opportunity to develop skills and progress within the profession

Qualifications

• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in HR
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Organised, proactive and willing to learn
• Ability to handle confidential information sensitively
• Good IT skills, including MS Office
• Positive attitude and ability to build good working relationships, GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Eligibility to complete a Level 3/ Level 5 HR apprenticeship programme
• HR experience preferred but not essential

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation‑driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we are delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with a global reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we are always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!