HR Operations Specialist

FirstGroup Internal; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A major transportation provider in Sheffield is seeking an HR Operations Specialist on a 6-month fixed-term contract to support the full employee lifecycle, focusing on onboarding, compliance, and engagement. The role requires strong communication and organisational skills, a proactive attitude, and proficiency with technology. The successful candidate will contribute to HR initiatives, maintain accurate records, and partner with teams to promote a positive employee experience. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Free bus travel

Discounted train travel

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships across teams.
• Strong organisational ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Comfortable with various technology tools and systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Experience in HR operations or HR Service in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day HR operations, onboarding, offboarding, and data management.
• Serve as the first point of contact for HR-related queries.
• Maintain accurate employee records in compliance with data privacy requirements.
• Collaborate with finance on payroll administration.
• Manage employee relations with discretion and professionalism.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Technology proficiency

Confidentiality

Candidate experience

Software skills

Resilience

Proactive mindset

Education

CIPD level 3 or 5

BA/BSc Human Resources Management / Business and Finance / Business Management Degree

Tools

Workday

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

HR Operations Specialist (6 month Fixed term Contract)
£24,000 - £28,000 experience dependent

First Customer Contact is part of FirstGroup, one of the leading rail operators and one of the largest bus operators in the UK. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the job

The HR operations Specialist plays a key role in supporting the full employee lifecycle from, policy guidance for employees and managers, onboarding, off‑boarding, employee survey engagement to benefits administration and compliance. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands‑on, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and is passionate about creating a positive employee experience.

You'll partner closely with managers and employees to ensure the HR function is compliant, deliver consistent and high‑quality first‑line HR support to employees addressing HR‑related queries and ensuring timely, accurate resolutions through the ticketing system and contribute ideas to improve how we attract, develop, and retain great people.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Support day‑to‑day HR operations, including onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, and data management.
• Serve as the first point of contact for employee and manager questions related to HR policies, benefits, and procedures.
• Maintain accurate employee records in the HRIS and ensure compliance with data privacy requirements.
• Assist with new hire onboarding to ensure a seamless and engaging experience.
• Assume primary responsibility for the management of the office space. (This includes ordering note pads, pens, water bottles just to mention a few).
• 6 monthly probation reviews for employees across all levels throughout the business.
• Collaborate with the finance team to produce monthly payroll administration.
• Administration of the change request process and any other letters that should be sent by HR to employees.
• Review and oversee ongoing appraisal process supporting line managers.
• Utilise HR systems software, ensuring the accurate information and uploading of the data to the systems.
• Addressing EE and Management queries, providing guidance and assistance on our policies and procedures.
• Handling confidential information (recording and processing) in meetings i.e. note taking in employee relations meetings.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to HR initiatives such as engagement surveys, learning programs, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR operations and enhance employee experience.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Partner with managers to promote a positive and high‑performing workplace culture.
• Manage employee concerns, manager concerns and performance management processes with discretion and professionalism.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

• Communication skills: You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across teams.
• Attention to detail: You will have strong attention to detail and excellent organisational ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Technology proficiency: You will be comfortable using a range of technology tools and systems (experience with Workday is a plus).
• Confidentiality: You will be able to always handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Candidate experience: You will have HR operations or HR Service experience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Software skills: You will be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Resilience: You will be able to work effectively under pressure and thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Proactive mindset: You will demonstrate a proactive attitude and a strong willingness to learn and take initiative.
• Best Practice: Ideally you will have a HR generalist background
• Employment Law: You must have up to date employment law knowledge

Desirable

• CIPD level 3 or 5
• BA/BSc Human Resources Management / Business and Finance / Business Management Degree

About the location

Sheffield city centre. Ten minutes' walk from Sheffield Station. Travel to other UK locations as appropriate.

Working pattern

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 18:00pm
37.5 hours per week

The Reward

We believe great work deserves great rewards. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your lifestyle, well‑being, and future:

• Competitive Pay - We offer a salary that reflects your skills, experience, and the valuable contribution you'll make to our team.
• Free Bus Travel – Complimentary travel on FirstGroup buses for you after 1 month of service.
• Discounted Train Travel – Enjoy all day travel for you and your family for as little as £6 across Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, TPE (from £10) and Lumo after 6 months of service
• Generous Holiday Allowance – 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays
• Pension Scheme – Contributory pension plan with the opportunity to invest in discounted FirstGroup shares through a SAYE scheme
• First Xclusives Discount Scheme – Unlock over 3,000 deals on high street brands, cinema tickets, flights, holidays, and more
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support whenever you need it, because your wellbeing matters.

We all belong at First Customer Contact.

FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/