Location: Lichfield Street

Hours: 30 hours per week (4 days per week)

Contract: Permanent

Department: People & Culture

Salary: £24,000 per annum (£30k full time Equivalent)

At Emma Bridgewater, our values—Togetherness, Energy, Care, and Curiosity—guide everything we do. We’re looking for a People & Payroll Officer who shares these values and can bring a calm, organised, and thoughtful approach to this varied and rewarding role.

About the Role

This is a hybrid position within our People & Culture team, with responsibilities split between payroll administration (2 days per week) and employee lifecycle support (2 days per week). It’s a role that requires precision, empathy, and the ability to adapt quickly when priorities shift.

You’ll be the first point of contact for People and Payroll queries, and a key contributor to the smooth running of our internal processes—from payroll and absence management to flexible working and employee relations.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll (2 days per week)

• Coordinate and process weekly and monthly payrolls accurately and on time
• Ensure correct application of statutory payments (SSP, SMP, etc.)
• Maintain up-to-date payroll records in line with legal and organisational standards
• Liaise with finance and external providers to resolve payroll queries
• Support payroll-related audits and reporting
• Assist with the annual audit process

People & Culture (2 days per week)

• Administer key people processes including absence management, flexible working, maternity/paternity leave, and disciplinary/grievance procedures
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records
• Provide first-line support to employees and managers on HR-related queries
• Support performance and development processes, including sickness monitoring and training coordination
• Contribute to internal communication and engagement initiatives
• Provide guidance on company policies and ensure compliance with employment legislation
• Support the delivery of People & Culture projects and the wider People Plan

Experience & Skills

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in HR and/or payroll
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical, process-driven approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to manage time effectively and re-prioritise when needed
• A positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn
• A collaborative spirit and a genuine care for people

Desirable (but not essential):

• Knowledge of HR and payroll systems
• CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience
• Payroll qualification

Training & Development:

We’re committed to supporting your growth. If you’re keen to develop your career in People & Culture, we can offer training towards a CIPD qualification, a payroll qualification, or both, depending on your interests and aspirations.

Why Join Us?

At Emma Bridgewater, we care deeply about how we work together. You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, enthusiasm, and thoughtful attention to detail. We take pride in creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow.