Hr manager jobs

HR & Operations Coordinator

Full time, permanent contract with 6 months’ probation.

The HR and Operations Coordinator is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of NEF, offering the opportunity to contribute across both people and operations.

Reporting to the Head of People and Organisational Development, you’ll play a key role in delivering high quality HR administration and supporting an efficient and impactful HR function. Just as importantly, you’ll help create an environment where colleagues can thrive, whilst contributing to NEF’s mission of building an economy that works for people and planet.

This role goes beyond traditional HR. As part of NEF’s wider operations team which spans finance, IT, fundraising, and project management, you’ll be exposed to a broad range of activities and priorities. You’ll act as a flexible and valued team member, stepping in to support key projects, respond to emerging needs, and help keep things running smoothly across the organisation.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, is naturally organised, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll bring strong prioritisation skills, a proactive mindset, and a professional, reliable approach, along with a genuine enthusiasm for getting stuck in and making a difference.

Role: HR & Ops Co-ordinator
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £39,066 - £42,272
Location: London/South East (in-office four days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 7th June 2026.
Interviews:  First stage interviews offered online on June 16th 2026 with second stage in-person interviews on June 24th 2026.

Start date: ASAP

We are only considering candidates who have previous experience in HR administration. 

Please answer the following questions on a separate Word document and submit alongside your CV 

1. Please confirm the details of your previous HR work experience, including job title, length of service and key responsibilities (200 words)
2. Please describe what you think are the three most important elements of the HR function in order to support a productive, professional and happy work place? (200 words)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.

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The Octagon is a thriving and award-winning regional theatre and charity that makes work for local and national audiences and engages our diverse communities in a wide range of creative, life-enhancing opportunities. We are known for being a friendly, welcoming theatre and have a track record of nourishing careers on and off-stage. As a busy arts charity with a social and cultural purpose, our business needs are diverse. You’ll be collaborating with all teams on staff hiring, training and departures – the full ‘hire to retire’ journey. You’ll ensure the right IT and technology support is in place for everyone to work at their best. You’ll be responsible for business information – collecting and reporting on a range of data and evidence to help us make the right decisions.

This is a wide-ranging role that requires previous experience in either business or HR administration. Our ideal candidate will have excellent organisational and office skills and a proactive attitude. You’ll be both a people person – who works well with others, and a process person who is thorough, consistent, and pays attention to detail. You’ll be a capable IT user and organiser who can liaise with support providers and ensure staff have the right equipment, training and access. You’ll be trustworthy with confidential information, and confident in working with data and preparing reports. You’ll be willing to learn and grow as you provide the best people and business support to the organisation. Previous experience in either the arts or charity sectors would be beneficial.

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