HR Operations Administrator

The HR Operations team at the Royal College of Art provides high-quality operational support across the employee lifecycle, ensuring excellent customer service across a range of College communities. The team is responsible for the management and administration of employment contracts, probation, appraisals, payroll, sickness absence, pension, and statutory returns. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Customer Service:

• Act as the first point of contact for callers and visitors to the HR department, ensuring the highest level of customer service and professionalism.

2. HR Policies & Procedures:

• Develop and maintain an understanding of the College’s HR policies and procedures.
• Provide first-line support and guidance for staff and line managers on routine HR matters (e.g., staff probation, appraisal, annual leave, sickness reporting, pay and benefits, parental leave), referring more complex queries to HR colleagues in the respective specialisms.

3. Payroll Administration:

• Accurately and timely process payroll information to the College’s outsourced payroll provider, liaising with Finance colleagues as necessary.
• Use standard reporting tools in iTrent to provide regular management information reports to the HR management team and other colleagues upon request.

4. Appointments & Claims:

• Process appointments and claims for visiting lecturers and casual workers in line with College procedures, advising on pay rates, verifying the right to work, liaising with school and department administrative staff, and updating the HR system to meet payroll deadlines.

5. Employee Records:

• Administer timely updates to employee records and systems, including contract changes and leaver processes (e.g., confirming changes, resignations, retirements, cessation of fixed-term contracts, organising exit interviews).
• Administer probation reviews, sickness records, and annual leave calculations.

6. Administrative Assistance:

• Provide administrative support to colleagues dealing with large cyclical increases in workloads.
• Regularly assist HR Heads of Service with administrative duties related to their respective specialisms.

7. Document Management:

• Undertake regular filing of employee records and HR documents in paper or electronic files.
• Support the Head of HR Operations in implementing new processes, systems, and document management.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Education: Relevant qualifications in HR or related field.
• Experience: Previous experience in HR administration or a similar role.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in HR/Payroll systems (preferably iTrent) and standard office software.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Organisational Skills: Strong administrative and organisational abilities with attention to detail.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to manage, manipulate, and present HR data effectively.
• Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Apply now and contribute to shaping the future of service design at the Royal College of Art!

Please see the information pack for more details.

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

The Royal College of Art (RCA)  aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected. 

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this  strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format.

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