HR Assistant

BDP UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design practice in Manchester is seeking an HR Assistant to support the HR Northern Region. The role involves recruitment management, payroll processing, and general HR administration. Ideal candidates will have HR experience, excellent communication skills, and attention to detail. BDP offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Profit Share Scheme

Tax Efficient Smart Benefits

Interest Free Season Ticket Loans

Health Screening

Opportunity to Buy/Swap Holidays

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Provision

Qualifications

• Previous experience in HR Administration position.
• Experience with recruitment administration and applicant tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist HR Team with recruitment activities and manage new starters.
• Process payroll administration and maintain personnel records.
• Support training and events coordination.

Skills

Communication

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Education

CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Human Resources Practice

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Resourcelink

Job description

Vacancy typeCurrent vacanciesProfessionHuman ResourcesLocationManchesterDescription

We are currently looking for an HR Assistant to assist with the day to day running of the HR Northern Region which support BDP’s Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow and Edinburgh studios, consisting of approximately 350 architects, engineers, and designers. The HR Assistant role is based in Manchester, Piccadilly Basin, will report to the local HR lead and work with the Northern HR Team and wider HR Group, across a wide range of activities in a busy, professional environment.
Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the following:

• assisting the HR Team to effectively manage recruitment activities via BDP’s Applicant Tracking System
• producing offer letters, contracts, conducting right to work checks, requesting and checking references
• processing new starters in order to facilitate system access
• communicating with managers and other professions to ensure a seamless new starter process
• supporting the Basic BPSS application process for any relevant employees in The North in conjunction with the London HR team
• co-ordinating and assisting with work experience, employee and contractor inductions
• accurately and timely processing of all payroll administration activities, i.e. inputting starters and changes on the HR/Payroll database: Resourcelink
• processing leavers, organising exit interviews
• assisting in facilitating training and events via our Learning Management System: Vitruvius
• general administration; issue of weekly schedules, recording training needs, e-filing, archiving and maintenance of personnel records
• being a point of contact for employee and contractor enquiries
• providing support for the local HR lead, as well as undertaking other ad-hoc HR administration duties as required to support the successful running of the team

About us

BDP is a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that’s built for good. For more than 60 years, we've been solving problems, creating innovative spaces, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From the start, we've been pioneers in the world of design, and our legacy is built on the meaningful, people-centred places we've brought to life.

We are a diverse, international practice of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. We work closely with our clients, users, and communities to craft spaces for living, working, learning, and enjoying life across the globe. With studios spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and North America, our reach is as broad as our expertise. And since joining forces with Japan’s Nippon Koei in 2016, our ability to deliver integrated, impactful design has only grown stronger.

Our work is rooted in creativity, quality, and collaboration. We believe that great design removes barriers and opens new possibilities, all while meeting the demands of a constantly evolving world. Whether we’re designing homes, workplaces, or public spaces, we always put people at the heart of our thinking, ensuring that the environments we create are not just functional, but also inclusive, beautiful, and socially and environmentally responsible.

We’re proud of the places we've shaped and the lives we've touched, and we are committed to continuing our mission of designing a better, more connected world—one that leaves every place better than we found it.

About you

The successful candidate will have the following essential experience, skills and attributes;

• previous experience in a Human Resources Administration position
• experience of handling potentially sensitive enquiries from employees/contractors
• ability to organise and prioritise own workload, comprehend and spot potential issues to flag for assistance from the HR Advisor
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels and using different media
• attention to detail and methodical, accurate and timely methods of working with the ability to prioritise tasks, maintain confidentiality, understand GDPR data processor requirements and work to deadlines
• experience with recruitment administration and/or experience of applicant tracking systems
• ability to quickly build rapport and maintain excellent working relationships at all levels
• proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• a team player, capable of working in a fast-paced environment whilst maintaining accuracy and quality
• excellent problem-solving skills

Desirable skills include:

• working towards CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Human Resources Practice/part or qualified CIPD; or have equivalent relevant HR administration experience
• knowledge of Resourcelink– training can be given
• experience within a similar design-led environment

Salary is depending on skills and experience. Please state your salary expectation as part of your application.

BDP offers

In return, BDP can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities to encourage personal and professional career development. From sponsorship to profession led CPD events, we also offer annual appraisals and a mentoring scheme that is supported by our internal online learning platform.

We are committed to being an employer of choice and offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package that includes an employee profit share scheme, tax efficient smart benefits, private medical insurance, life insurance, long term sickness insurance, interest free season ticket loans, health screening, opportunity to buy/swap holidays and enhanced maternity and paternity provision, plus many more.

We offer regular international, and studio based social, sporting and charitable events. Some recent events include month-end socials, a hiking club, wellbeing webinars and toolbox talks. Our variety of employee forums gives everyone the platform to have a voice and be heard which drives cultural changes and helps to create an engaged, inclusive organisation.

To find out on more detail about what BDP can offer you, please visit: https://www.bdp.com/en/careers-at-bdp/why-join-bdp/.

To apply

To apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. You will then need to complete the online application form and attach a CV and cover letter (<400 words) that outlines how your skills and experience fulfil the requirements of this position.

BDP is actively fostering an inclusive organisation where people can be themselves and everyone has a sense of belonging. We want our teams to be diverse at every level, reflecting the communities we design for. As designers, we will create spaces for all that promote equity, wellbeing and participation within the built environment. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different skills, professional and life experiences, to join us and help us to achieve our aspirations. We also welcome applications from candidates who wish to work flexibly. BDP also operates a hybrid working policy which is usually three days in the office and two days working from home.

No agency or third-party applications please.