Human Resources & Executive Support Coordinator

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

A wildlife sanctuary in Kent seeks a motivated Human Resources & Executive Support Coordinator. This part-time role involves HR administration and PA support to the leadership team. The ideal candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and experience with HR processes. Benefits include paid holidays, staff discounts, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

17 days paid holiday

Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts

Free access to UK and European zoos

Company Conservation Award

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with staff.
• High standards in administration.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters discreetly.
• Experience with basic HR regulations.
• Full driving license and access to a vehicle.
• Eligibility to live and work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Manage recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Coordinate staff training and development.
• Support performance management and appraisals.
• Handle employee relations and welfare queries.
• Maintain HR records and compliance.
• Provide general PA and administrative support.

Skills

Approachability and strong people insight

Excellent attention to detail

Professional manner

Proactive and adaptable skills

Empathy and discretion

Confidence and resilience

Good knowledge of Microsoft Office & Outlook

Experience with HR regulations

Job description

Overview

The Big Cat Sanctuary, Kent

Closing date for applications is: 30th Sep 2025

Contact: Lisa Pressland ([e-mail])

Sector: Administration | Type: Paid | Contract type: Part-time

Salary: £17,472 per annum

Role

Human Resources & Executive Support Coordinator

Part-Time, Permanent (24 hours per week, 3 over 7 days), on-site at The Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn, Kent

The Big Cat Sanctuary is seeking a motivated and organised Human Resources & Executive Support Coordinator to join our team. This is a varied role combining HR administration with team support, offering the chance to make a real difference in a unique and inspiring environment.

This is a highly visible and impactful role, contributing to both staff experience and the smooth operation of the Sanctuary. You will join a collaborative and passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and staff development. The ideal candidate is organised, approachable, proactive and capable of balancing multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality, handling HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, training coordination, employee relations, and maintaining accurate HR records. Alongside this, you will provide PA support to the Senior Leadership Team, including minute-taking at key meetings to ensure clear communication and effective follow-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing recruitment and onboarding processes
• Coordinating staff training and development
• Supporting performance management and appraisals
• Handling employee relations and welfare queries
• Maintaining HR records and compliance with policies and legislation
• Acting as the meeting notes taker for key internal meetings
• Providing general PA and administrative support to the Senior Leadership Team

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is not only organised and efficient, but also a genuine people person with the confidence and empathy to support staff across all levels of the Sanctuary.

Your Skills & Experience

• Approachability and strong people insight, with the ability to build trust and positive working relationships
• Excellent attention to detail and high standards in administration
• A level-headed and professional manner, especially when dealing with sensitive matters
• Proactive and adaptable skills, able to anticipate needs and work independently as well as part of a team
• Empathy and discretion, handling confidential information appropriately
• Confidence and resilience, able to remain calm and objective when challenges arise
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office & Outlook
• A good understanding and prior experience of working with basic HR regulations and functions, with willingness to learn and grow in the role
• Experience in using discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information
• Ability to work in a collaborative, approachable, and solutions-focused way
• Full, clean driving licence and access to own vehicle (the Sanctuary is not accessible by public transport)
• Eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits before application (documented evidence of eligibility will be required as part of the recruitment process)

What To Expect In The Role

24 hours per week, 3 over 7 days; generally worked between 08:00–17:00, although some evening/weekend work may be required to cover special circumstances and deadlines

Starting salary £17,472 per annum (£14.00 per hour)

17 days paid holiday, plus Christmas Day off as standard

Why Work Here

Join a passionate, collaborative team dedicated to the care of big cats and an exceptional staff experience. Play a key role in shaping the Sanctuary’s culture by supporting both people and operations. Opportunities for professional growth within HR and operational support. Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme. Staff discounts and other benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and collections, regular team gatherings and celebrations, and a Company Conservation Award (giving team members the chance to travel together to one of our supported global conservation project partners). Full uniform provided.

Apply For This Job

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to [e-mail] stating the reference Human Resources Coordinator in the email title.

Closing Date Tuesday, 30th September 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the number of applications received, so please submit your application as soon as possible.