HR Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading publishing company in Manchester is looking for an HR Assistant to provide vital administrative support. The role includes managing employee records, assisting with payroll inputs, and ensuring smooth HR processes. Candidates should have a relevant degree and CIPD Level 3. This full-time position promotes employee engagement through various initiatives and offers benefits like flexible working hours and a health cash plan.

Benefits

Flexible Working Times

Special Days Off

Friendly working environment

Bonus Incentives

Perkbox access

Health Cash Plan

Cyclescheme

Techscheme

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and data management systems.
• CIPD Level 3 minimum required.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Support employee lifecycle processes including onboarding and exits.
• Assist with monthly payroll preparation and verify data.
• Respond to employee queries providing timely guidance.

Skills

Communication

Data management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree (preferred: Human Resources Management)

CIPD Level 3

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

HR Assistant

We are looking for an HR assistant to join our team at MDPI UK in Manchester! The HR Assistant provides essential administrative and operational support to ensure accurate employee records, timely HR documentation, and smooth daily HR processes. The role involves supporting payroll inputs, responding to employee queries, and contributing to HR activities and engagement initiatives. The HR Assistant helps deliver a consistent, compliant, and well‑organized HR service that supports a positive employee experience.

This is a full‑time in‑office role. The office is located next to Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.

Responsibilities

HR Administration & Documentation

• Support employee lifecycle processes (onboarding, changes, exits), including routine check‑ins with employees when required.
• Maintain accurate employee records in HR systems (e.g., HRMS and local HRIS) and ensure data is consistently updated.
• Organize, compile, and maintain personnel files and HR documentation, both physically and digitally.

Payroll and Employee Support

• Assist with monthly payroll preparation by collecting and verifying relevant data such as absences, leaves, and contractual changes.
• Respond to day‑to‑day employee queries, providing clear, timely, and professional guidance.
• Provide administrative support by sharing HR information, assisting with benefit‑related queries, and coordinating signatures and documentation.

Engagement and HR Responsibilities

• Support the planning and coordination of internal events and engagement activities (e.g., New Year celebrations, team gatherings).
• Contribute to HR projects and initiatives as assigned, ensuring timely follow‑up and completion of tasks.
• Collaborate effectively with senior HR colleagues and provide administrative support to ongoing HR activities.

Skills and Experience

Required

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in any subject (preferred: Human Resources Management, Business Administration/Management, Psychology, or Law).
• CIPD Level 3 minimum (required).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and data management systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and appropriately with employees and managers.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and adhere to HR and data protection standards.
• Can maintain high accuracy when handling employee data, documentation, and payroll‑related information.
• Willingness to support senior HR colleagues, share information proactively, and contribute to team effectiveness.
• Ability to provide timely, helpful support to employees and demonstrate a positive, solution‑oriented attitude.
• Interest in HR processes and ability to take ownership of tasks with increasing independence.

Desired

• Understand basic payroll inputs (absences, leaves, changes) and collaborate effectively with payroll partners.
• Maintenance of structured personnel files and consistent adherence to HR procedures.

Please submit your CV and cover letter via the provided link. We thank you for your interest in MDPI and look forward to reviewing your application!

Benefits

• Flexible Working Times – you are able to start work anytime between 7‑9 am, and finish between 3‑6 pm.
• Special Days Off – getting married or moving house? No need to use up your holidays; MDPI offers paid time off for such occasions.
• Our Culture – a friendly working environment with monthly lunch parties, office snacks and seasonal events.
• Bonus Incentives – depending on your role, you may be eligible for one of our bonus schemes which rewards high‑performing employees.
• Perkbox – you will have access to our benefit platform called Perkbox. This will provide you with a range of discounts and benefits across various retailers, including savings on food, drinks, tech, travel, and more.
• Health Cash Plan – after passing probation, employees are enrolled into our private health membership with Bupa. You can claim money back on dental, doctors, and prescriptions amongst many other health services.
• Modern City Centre Office – located next to Piccadilly Gardens, our office is a 10 minute walk from both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road train stations. There are also tram stops outside of the building.
• Cyclescheme – save between 25‑39% on a bike and accessories.
• Techscheme – save up to 10% on tax when purchasing tech equipment from places such as Ikea and Currys.

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

At MDPI, we believe in fostering an inclusive work environment that respects and values individual differences and prioritises growth through continued learning, support, and feedback. We are always seeking new initiatives to advance diversity and inclusion across all our offices to create a more equal workforce.

Initiatives

At MDPI, we develop and maintain various platforms in order to better serve the scientific community. You can find them below:

MDPI homepage: https://www.mdpi.com/

Sciprofiles: https://sciprofiles.com/

Sciforum: https://sciforum.net/

Scilit: https://www.scilit.net/

Preprints: https://www.preprints.org/

Encyclopedia: https://encyclopedia.pub/