HR/ People Operations & Systems Associate

Innovative Trials; Letchworth; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic healthcare company is seeking a People Operations Associate to enhance the employee experience and drive engagement. The ideal candidate will lead payroll management across regions, support HR compliance, and organise cultural events. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential, along with a good understanding of HR processes. This is a full-time role based in Letchworth, offering 4 days in-office and 1 day of remote work.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years experience in HR required.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple projects.
• Good understanding of employment law and HR processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll processing for UK and US markets.
• Manage HR policies and employee paperwork.
• Organise company-wide events and celebrate culture.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Good understanding of HR processes and employment law

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Proven ability to work autonomously

Familiarity with HRIS systems

Education

Level 3 CIPD and above

Job description

We’re looking for a People Operations Associate to join our HR team.

Job Purpose

This dynamic role is the face and energy of the People team, responsible for elevating the employee experience and driving engagement across the business. You will champion the company culture, lead the design and execution of internal launches while managing the implementation and administration of the HR system. Furthermore, you will ensure the seamless and compliant delivery of key People operations, including UK and US payroll management, HR reporting, and policy adherence.

Aim

To create a consistently positive and engaging employee experience, maintain an effective and compliant People operation, and ensure the company's culture and values are celebrated across all employee touchpoints. Manage the HR system and drive its continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

People Operations & Compliance

• Lead the accurate and confidential end‑to‑end processing of UK and US payroll, working closely with the People team for support and validation.
• Manage all core People Team administration and ensure systems data is accurate and up‑to‑date within the HRIS and drive its continuous growth and improvement as a ‘system expert’.
• Manage the review and updating of HR policies and procedures, supporting managers and employees in ensuring they understand and follow company policies.
• Ensure all employees have all relevant and up‑to‑date employment paperwork (e.g., offer letters, contracts, amendments).
• Office Management responsibilities; including weekly and monthly office safety checks, Health and Safety management and managing office vendors where required.
• Work closely with the rest of the People Team and Director of Business Services to ensure Company processes are in line with Quality compliance, legal requirements and Company values; driving change where appropriate.

Culture, Engagement & People Brand

• Enable employees to feel supported by acting as a key point of contact for personal, wellbeing or role challenges.
• Lead the planning, organisation, and execution of company‑wide People events, launches, and celebration initiatives.
• Act as the enthusiastic ‘face’ and key ambassador for the People team and company culture, generating company‑wide enthusiasm for events and initiatives.
• Partner closely with the Marketing team and the wider People team to ensure the company's internal and external 'People Brand' is on point, attractive, and aligned with company values.
• Support the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee initiatives.

Reporting & Team Support

• Utilise reports within the company's HRIS system to generate and present People data and analytics to support the People Team Management and Leadership in strategic decision‑making.
• Provide hands‑on support and essential cover for the HR Business Partner and the Recruitment Partner where required.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Desirable

• 1-3 years experience in HR
• Level 3 CIPD and above

Essential

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects (events, payroll, compliance).
• Good understanding of HR processes and employment law
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to be an enthusiastic ambassador for the company.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and manage sensitive information (e.g., payroll) with the utmost confidentiality.
• A proactive, flexible, and fast‑paced working style.
• Familiarity with using HRIS systems for reporting and data management.

This is a full‑time, permanent role. Based from our offices in Letchworth for at least 4 days per week / WFH 1 day.