HR Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday (including bank hols)

Pension scheme

Free appliance coverage

Free on-site parking

Exclusive retailer discounts

Job summary

Pacifica, based in the United Kingdom, is seeking a proactive HR Assistant to cover a 12-month maternity period and support the busy HR Team across the full employee lifecycle.

You will handle HR administration, onboarding, employee relations support, learning and development coordination and general HR tasks. Reporting to the HR Manager, the role is a full-time, office-based position with typical hours of 9.00am–5.00pm, Monday–Friday.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 3 qualification or working towards
• 3+ years' generalist HR administration experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems
• Excellent organisation and communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally

Responsibilities

• HR administration and record keeping
• Onboarding and pre-employment checks
• Employee relations support and minute taking
• Learning and development coordination and training compliance
• General HR projects and process improvements

Skills

HR administration

MS Office

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Discretion and confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

HRIS usage

Education

CIPD Level 3 qualification

CIPD Level 5 qualification or studying towards Level 5

Tools

Microsoft Office

People First / iTrent

Job description

Mandarin Rd, Houghton le Spring DH4 5RA, UK

Date posted: September 03, 2026

Fixed term

Full-time

Pacifica - HR Assistant (12 Month Maternity Cover)

Location:Houghton-le-Spring

Salary: between£27,000 and £28,500 per annum (dependent on skills, qualifications and HR experience)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.00pm (37.5 hours per week)

Reporting To: HR Manager

About Pacifica

Pacifica is one of the UK's leading providers of domestic appliance repair and maintenance services. We are passionate about delivering outstanding customer service whilst creating a positive workplace where our colleagues can develop, grow and succeed.

As part of our continued commitment to supporting our people, we are looking to recruit an HR Assistant on a 12 month maternity cover contract to support our busy and friendly HR Team.

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your HR career within a fast paced, people focused organisation?

At Pacifica, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and proactive HR Assistant to join our friendly and supportive People Team on a 12 month maternity cover contract. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a busy environment and wants to gain valuable exposure across the full employee lifecycle. Working closely with experienced HR professionals, you will play a key role in supporting colleagues and managers across the business while continuing to develop your own HR knowledge, skills and career.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

HR Administration

• Maintaining accurate employee records and HR systems
• Producing HR documentation, correspondence and reports
• Monitoring employee lifecycle activities including probation reviews, annual reviews and training records
• Supporting payroll related administration where required
• Ensuring HR records remain accurate and compliant with employment legislation

Onboarding

• Preparing internal vacancies and job descriptions
• Managing pre employment checks, including right-to-work and DBS checks
• Coordinating new starter administration and onboarding activities
• Supporting the induction process for new colleagues

Employee Relations Support

• Providing administrative support for disciplinary, grievance, absence and capability processes
• Taking notes and minutes during formal HR meetings
• Preparing HR meeting documentation and correspondence
• Supporting managers with first-line HR queries

Learning & Development

• Supporting e-learning administration and training compliance monitoring
• Assisting with employee development and training activities
• Monitoring completion of mandatory training programmes

General HR Support

• Providing professional first line support and guidance to colleagues and managers
• Assisting with HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives
• Supporting the HR Team in delivering an excellent employee experience

About You

We're looking for an organised, approachable and professional individual who enjoys working with people and is passionate about delivering excellent HR support.

• CIPD Level 3 qualification (or working towards)
• Recent experience (3 year minimum) in a generalist HR administration or HR Assistant role
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer focused approach
• Experience using HR information systems (eg : People First / iTrent)
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• Experience supporting employee relations processes
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or studying towards Level 5
• Full UK driving licence

What We Can Offer

• A varied and rewarding HR role
• Exposure to the full employee lifecycle
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced HR professionals in a supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to develop your HR knowledge and experience
• Working from home, on an “as and when” needed, based on operational requirements

Additional Benefits

• 30 days holiday (including 8 bank holidays)
• Pension Scheme plus Death in Service Benefit (3x annual salary)
• Free Multi Appliance Protection Cover for your own home appliances
• Free on-site parking
• Access to exclusive discounts with top high street retailers