HR Administrator - Maternity Cover

HR Administrator – Maternity Cover

£30,000 per annum plus fantastic benefits

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Based onsite – BA7

Fixed-term maternity cover contract for up to 12 months, with an anticipated start date of either 29 September or 12 October 2026.

Due to the location of the Estate, a driving licence is recommended for this role.

Advert closes: Tuesday 21st July 2026

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🔗 Read the full job description here

Bring organisation, creativity and energy to the heart of our employee experience.

Our HR Administrator

We are looking for an exceptionally organised and people-focused HR Administrator to become the central administration hub of our busy HR team. From coordinating recruitment and welcoming new starters to maintaining accurate employee records and supporting memorable engagement events, you will help ensure every stage of the employee journey runs smoothly.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who thrives on accuracy and process but is equally energised by working with people. You will take ownership of essential HR administration while contributing ideas that help make The Newt an even better place to work.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment administration, candidate screening and communication with hiring managers.
• Prepare offer letters, contracts, onboarding documents and employment change paperwork.
• Complete Right to Work, DBS and other pre-employment compliance checks.
• Coordinate induction activities and deliver a seamless onboarding experience for new colleagues.
• Maintain accurate employee records across Fourth and other HR systems.
• Process employee changes and leavers, ensuring records and relevant teams are updated promptly.
• Support employee engagement activities, recognition initiatives, internal communications and team events.
• Maintain HR calendars, compliance records, trackers and departmental administration.

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we're looking for

• Previous experience in an administrative role, ideally within HR or another people-focused environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• A proactive and adaptable approach, with confidence taking ownership of tasks.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• A personable and approachable team player who can build positive relationships across the business.
• Professionalism and discretion when managing confidential employee information.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and the ability to learn new HR and recruitment systems quickly.

Where you'll be working

The Human Resources team supports the full employee lifecycle across The Newt in Somerset, partnering with managers and teams to deliver an efficient, compliant and people-focused HR service. The department is responsible for recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, learning and development, HR administration, payroll support, compliance and employee engagement.

Working closely with departments across the estate, the HR team helps ensure employees receive a positive experience from recruitment through to leaving the business. The team plays a key role in maintaining accurate people records, supporting managers with HR processes and contributing to a collaborative, professional and well-organised working environment.

Who are we – The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR