HR Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Pacifica; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday

Pension scheme

Death in Service Benefit

Free multi appliance cover

Free on-site parking

Exclusive retailer discounts

Work from home when needed

Job summary

Pacifica is seeking an organised HR Officer for a 12 month maternity cover in Houghton‑le‑Spring. You will support the full employee lifecycle, handle HR administration, onboarding, and employee relations with a proactive, customer‑focused approach.

The role requires CIPD Level 5 (or in progress), 4+ years in generalist HR, and experience with HRIS systems like People First / iTrent. 37.5 hour week, UK driving licence preferred.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualification minimum (or working towards).
• Recent HR generalist experience (minimum 4 years).
• Experience using HRIS systems (People First / iTrent).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience supporting employee relations processes.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• HR Administration: maintain records, generate reports, ensure regulatory compliance.
• Onboarding: manage pre-employment checks and new starter administration.
• Employee Relations Support: assist with disciplinary, grievance, absence processes.
• Learning & Development: support e-learning and training compliance.
• General HR Support: provide first-line guidance and assist with projects.

Skills

Organised

Communication skills

Confidentiality handling

Customer-focused

Interpersonal skills

Driving licence

Education

CIPD Level 5

Tools

People First / iTrent

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mandarin Rd, Houghton le Spring DH4 5RA, UK

Overview

Application

HR Officer (Maternity Cover)

Date posted: October 19, 2026

Fixed term

Full-time

Pacifica - HR Officer (12 Month Maternity Cover)

Location: Houghton-le-Spring

Salary: between£30,000 and £32,000 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: Chief People Officer

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 a HR Officer 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 Officer 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 our Chief People Officer, 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, has excellent administrative skills, and is passionate about delivering excellent HR support.

• CIPD Level 5 qualification as a minimum or currently working towards CIPD level 5 (must have commenced the qualification)
• Recent experience (4 year minimum) in a generalist HR role
• Experience using HR information systems (eg : People First / iTrent)
• 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
• Knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
• Experience supporting employee relations processes
• Full UK driving licence

What We Can Offer

• A varied and rewarding HR role on a 12 month maternity cover contract
• 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 Cover for your own home appliances
• Free on-site parking
• Access to exclusive discounts with top high street retailers