HR & Payroll Advisor *12 Months Fixed Term Cont...

Department: Human ResourcesReporting to: Head of HRGrade: 7Salary: £47,001 per annumWorking pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per weekBase: Gravesend, KentClosing date: 31st March 2026Interview date: 1st Stage teams interviews scheduled for 9th April. 2nd Stage F2F interviews scheduled for 20th April 2026.Who We AreWe are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.The RoleWe’re looking for an experienced HR & Payroll Advisor to join our HR team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting time to join us as we support the organisation through significant change, including the implementation of a new ERP system.In this role, you’ll play a key part in delivering a high-quality, people-focused HR and payroll service. You’ll provide practical, solutions-oriented support to colleagues and managers, helping us embed a collaborative ‘One Team’ culture across the organisation.Key ResponsibilitiesHR Advisory

• Providing professional advice to managers on HR policy, processes and best practice.
• Supporting managers with complex Employee Relations matters including performance, absence and conduct.
• Ensuring HR activities (contracts, variations, terminations, recruitment administration) are completed accurately and on time.
• Contributing to policy development and supporting consultation and implementation.
• Staying up to date with employment law and sharing updates with managers.
• Supporting recruitment activity, including interviews and coaching hiring managers.

• Processing payrolls from start to finish including starters, leavers, changes and other monthly ad hoc payroll actions.
• Ensuring accurate and timely payment to all employees by running monthly pay runs
• Ensure legislative timelines for submitting monthly HMRC returns are met.
• Responding to employee payroll and benefits queries, providing clear and helpful guidance.
• Assist with processing pension contributions and other deductions, submitting timely returns as well as monthly reporting to our Finance team.

• Experience in generalist HR advisory work, including case management.
• Practical experience in payroll administration and confidence working with payroll systems.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and how to apply it in real-world scenarios.
• Experience using HR and payroll systems (ERP experience desirable).
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• A collaborative, inclusive approach aligned to our organisational values.

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts