HR Assistant

Level:

Individual Contributor

Employment Type:

Full-time

Permanent

Hybrid

Location:

Cramlington, Northumberland

Job Function:

Human Resources

Industry:

Oil & Energy

Industrial Air Quality

Who We Are:

AAF International offers the most comprehensive clean air solutions available across the globe. Selling under the American Air Filter® and the AAF International® brand names, AAF International has been an industry pioneer since 1921 with manufacturing operations in 22 countries and over 6000 employees globally. Our products are the industry benchmarks for quality and performance. Our applications include commercial, industrial and residential solutions from the filters used in your home to the most critical cleanroom and power generation applications.

We are a member of the Daikin Group, the world's largest air conditioning provider with $30 billion in revenue and over 75,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1924, Daikin has grown into a diversified industrial manufacturing company offering solutions in clean air, air conditioning, refrigeration, chemicals, oil hydraulics, defence systems and electronics.

Position Summary:

We are currently recruiting for a HR Assistant to join our existing Human Resource team within our Power & Industrial (P&I) division based in Cramlington, Northumberland. The successful candidate will work closely with the local HR Manager to provide administrative and operational support across the full range of HR functions. This role plays a key part in ensuring smooth recruitment and onboarding processes, supporting learning and development initiatives, maintaining positive employee relations and contributing to organisational culture, engagement and performance improvement efforts.

Scope for flexible working arrangements, including working from home on occasion, is offered subject to agreement.

Position Responsibilities:

Recruitment and Onboarding 

• Coordinate the end-to-end recruitment process including job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling and reference checks.
• Support hiring managers in conducting smooth onboarding and induction for new hires.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date recruitment and employee records.
• Manage HR systems and databases to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.

Learning and Development 

• Support the planning and coordination of training sessions, workshops and e-learning activities.
• Maintain training records and ensure completion tracking and reporting.
• Liaise with external training providers and manage logistics for training programs.
• Assist in the evaluation of training effectiveness and employee development plans.

Employee Relations

• Provide support in employee relations matters such as grievances, disciplinary processes and investigations.
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate documentation of employee relations cases.
• Support HR in implementing policies and procedures that promote a positive workplace environment.
• Respond to routine HR queries from employees, ensuring timely and accurate information.

Employee Capability and Performance

• Support the coordination of performance appraisal cycles.
• Assist in tracking objectives, probation reviews and performance improvement plans.
• Maintain data and reports to support people management decisions.
• Support initiatives that build employee capability and promote continuous improvement.

Organisational Development, Engagement and Culture

• Assist in organising engagement activities, employee surveys and recognition programs.
• Support HR and management teams in implementing culture and change management initiatives.
• Contribute to communication and engagement materials that promote our People Centred Management culture.

Person Specification:

Education, Qualifications and Affiliations

Essential

• CIPD Level 3 or above (or equivalent professional HR qualification)

Desirable

• CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent professional HR qualification)

*Completed qualifications from an accredited institution may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Experience

Essential

• Demonstratable experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Proven experience as a HR Assistant or similar role.
• Previous experience of working within a HR department.
• Proven experience in supporting recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and HR policy development.
• Experience with HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems).
• Familiarity with employment law and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of HR best practices and employment legislation.
• Comfortable working on a number of projects simultaneously.
• Computer literate and able to use a wide range of software packages.

Desirable

• Experience of SAP ERP package.
• Experience of working in a HR team in a manufacturing company.

Licenses or Certifications

Essential

• Eligible to work in the UK.
• Full valid passport.

Desirable

• Full driving license.
• CIPD Membership.

Skills

Essential

• Health, safety and environmentally conscious.
• Flexible approach to working, willingness to accept changing priorities.
• Ability to work to deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• High level of English communication skills including face to face, telephone and written.
• Good commercial acumen.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Excellent MS Office / ERP skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships.
• A problem-solving can-do attitude
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work in an organised manner.
• Continuous improvement mentality and receptive to change.

Desirable

• Multi-lingual a positive advantage. (Notably French and Spanish)

What’s on Offer?

• We know that having a work life balance is important, so we offer our colleagues flexible working opportunities in line with the needs of their role.
• Take a break with 25 days holiday (5 weeks) + bank holidays per annum.
• Pension scheme. A fantastic way to save for your retirement and benefit from employer contributions, we match up to 7%.
• Death in service benefit which provides a lump sum payment equal to 3 times your annual salary.
• Company sick pay scheme.
• The opportunity for international travel.
• Career progression and Learning & Development, with access to our 24/7 LMS.
• Perks and savings such as online cashback, instore and online vouchers and discounts via our Perks@Work scheme.
• Employee wellbeing programme – Free advice offering financial, wellbeing and relationship support 24 hours a day 365 days a year via our on-line portal.
• Get fit and take advantage of our cycle to work scheme.
• When on site, free parking is available.
• Receive free annual flu jabs.
• Stand out with our employee recognition schemes.

Applications:

• We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
• We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
• All applications must be submitted in English.

Accommodations:

If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to make adjustments to ensure an inclusive recruitment experience for all applicants.