HR Assistant

HR Assistant – Spider is advertising on behalf of a fruit and vegetable wholesaler for an HR Assistant to join their team on a permanent, part-time basis based in Colchester, Essex.

Fantastic company package include:

• Competitive Salary: £27,000 – £29,000 pro rata, depending on experience
• Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata for part-time hours
• Additional Benefits: Flexible hours 16 hours per week, ideally Tuesday and Thursday, although flexibility can be discussed for the right candidate

About the role:

As a part-time HR Assistant, you will provide comprehensive HR administration and compliance support across the business, ensuring people processes are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with employment legislation and company policies. You will support the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment administration, onboarding, record keeping, absence monitoring, compliance tracking, and employee documentation.

Working closely with managers and employees across the business, you will help maintain a professional, organised, and positive working environment while supporting day-to-day HR operations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate employee records, HR systems, contracts, and confidential documentation
• Prepare employment contracts, offer letters, HR correspondence, and onboarding documentation
• Coordinate recruitment activity, onboarding, inductions, and probation review processes
• Manage holiday, sickness, absence records, and HR compliance documentation including right to work checks
• Track mandatory training, certifications, and policy acknowledgements to ensure compliance
• Support disciplinary, grievance, and absence management administration while acting as a first point of contact for HR queries
• Assist with HR projects, employee engagement activities, internal communications, and ensure compliance with employment legislation and GDPR

About You:

As an HR Assistant, you will have previous experience in an HR administration or HR assistant role, with strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail. You will be confident managing multiple tasks, maintaining accurate records, and handling confidential information professionally and discreetly. You will have a good understanding of employment legislation and HR best practice, alongside strong written and verbal communication skills. You will also be comfortable using Microsoft Office and HR or database systems, with the ability to work independently in a small business environment. A proactive, approachable, and flexible attitude is essential, and a CIPD Level 3 qualification (or working towards one) would be advantageous.

About them:

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and supportive business where you can play a key role in supporting people processes and contributing to a positive workplace culture. You’ll become part of a collaborative environment where professionalism, flexibility, and teamwork are highly valued.

If you have the relevant skills and experience for this part-time HR Assistant role and would like to be considered, please apply by forwarding an up-to-date CV as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please check your email inbox and spam / junk mail folder for any email correspondence for this role. If you require any reasonable adjustments such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

Additional keywords: HR Assistant, HR Administrator, Human Resources, Recruitment Administrator, HR Coordinator, Personnel Assistant, Employee Relations, HR Compliance, HR Support, CIPD, Office Administrator, People Administrator, part-time

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