Jobs

People and Culture Officer

27/05/2025

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced People and Culture Officer to join our dynamic team at Nekton. This is an exciting opportunity that involves a diverse portfolio of responsibilities. These include:

  • Managing operational HR needs and requirements including recruitment, contracting, development and implementation of employment policies and processes, and supporting managers with annual employee appraisals.
  • Implementing and managing the organisation’s first HRIS.
  • Working with the leadership team on the development and implementation of an overall People Strategy.
  • Developing and strengthening team culture around a fast-growing hybrid organisation, including planning team events and development programmes.
  • Managing HR administration.

Application Deadline: 17th June 2025

🌊Start: As soon as possible from July 2025

🌊Location: Hybrid, including approx. two days per week at our Oxford area-based HQ.

🌊Salary: £35-40k per annum pro-rata, depending on experience and qualifications

🌊Contract: Permanent

🌊Hours: Three flexible days per week

🌊Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (and close cooperation with the Head of Finance and Central Operations)

🌊Staff reporting to this post: None (may change with team growth)

🌊Working with: All teams and external HR Business Partner

Please note: Only applicants who are eligible and available to work in the UK will be considered.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

  • With the COO and leadership team, contributing to and implementing an overall People Strategy and People policies, including EVP, people development, health, mental health, wellbeing and DEI.
  • Dealing with all aspects of staff recruitment.
  • Writing and issuing employment contracts and contract variation documents.
  • Leading the implementation of the new HRIS, including data migration and supporting colleagues with training.
  • Managing the HRIS, including staff leave records, including records of Time Off in Lieu.
  • Providing HR and organisational inductions for new staff and assisting with onboarding.
  • Keeping employment policies relevant and up to date, introducing new policies as appropriate to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations.
  • Recording and processing confidential information.
  • Distributing payslips and other payroll documents.
  • Managing the pension scheme.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for all HR-related inquiries, providing timely, solutions-focused support to internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • Managing the Organisation’s appraisal process and cycle.
  • Handling any disciplinary processes and formal grievances.
  • Provide regular reports on HR activities and strategic initiatives to the Senior Leadership Team, supporting evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Continuously learning the latest HR best practices to improve workplace efficiency.
  • Liaising with external HR Business Advisers as required.
  • Other duties as required, commensurate with the grade.

Key Attributes & Qualifications

Essential:

  • Minimum of three years’ experience in a HR Officer role in a high growth organisation preferably in the scientific or charity sector.
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
  • Strong data and analysis skills.
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work well with others.
  • Ability to monitor your own performance.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Discretion and the ability to safeguard confidential information.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Collaborate closely with senior management to drive strategic initiatives and achieve organisational goals.
  • Passionate about building a strong company culture.
  • Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, in a related field or equivalent and/or CIPD Level 5 or above.

Desirable:

  • CIPD Level 7
  • Proficiency in HR software and aptitude to learn new systems.
  • Experience of implementing an HRIS and/or ATS.
  • Experience working in/with the charity sector.
  • Business management skills.
  • Experience of rolling out strategies for enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.

How to Apply

To apply for this position please send your cv with a covering letter, quoting reference NFPCO052025, explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this role to [email protected] by 17th June 2025.

Nekton reserves the right to withdraw the vacancy before the advertised date and recommends early applications. This role is open to UK-based applicants only. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.