Skip to main content
Posted 12 August, 2026

HR Assistant

Saab UK
Fareham, ENG, GB Full Time

Job Description

IntroductionSaab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.The Role:The HR Assistant role will provide Operational and administrative support for the HR function of our Saab Seaeye Business Unit. The role requires high levels of discretion and attention to detail.Key Responsibilities:Recruitment and OnboardingSupporting the recruitment team with offers of employment and contracts through to the onboarding and induction programs. Supporting Managers through the process and taking lead to feed back to the recruitment team.Prepare contracts of employment for all new starters and internal transfersResponsible for the new starter process and inductions, ensuring all necessary paperwork is returned and accurately completedSupport pre-employment checks, right to work, including BPSS and higher-level security clearances where applicableLiaise with hiring managers and security teams to ensure timely and compliant onboardingPayroll and Benefits supportEnsure that accurate and timely data is prepared for payroll each month, taking responsibility for all aspects of the data e.g. overtime, personal detail changes etcResponsible for all benefits administration including starters and leavers for Private medical cover, dental, salary sacrifice etcEmployee relations, in conjunction with the HR teamProvide guidance and advice to Managers dealing with any potential grievances or disciplinaries and keep the Snr HRBP informed of more complex issuesSupport formal steps in the process where HR is requiredSupport absence management conversations where requiredWellbeing and employee engagementChampioning wellbeing, engagement and collaboration will be core to this role. Take part in campus initiatives in driving wellbeing and engagement for all staffSupport the Snr HRBP in reviewing staff survey feedback and suggest actions to improve certain areas.HR Operations and AdministrationDeliver all day-to-day HR Operations and administration across the employee lifecycleManage and maintain accurate employee data, including new starters, changes, leavers, induction, probation and annual leaveMaintain personnel files, ensuring they are well organised and up to dateTake responsibility for the quality and accuracy of data on the HR systemsSupport all HR systems users, giving guidance as and when requiredMaintain confidentiality of data and departmental security at all timesResponsible for booking all internal/external training courses, ensuring all completed training courses are entered into WorkdayEnsure all mandatory training is monitored, updated and delivered on time and all records are updated and maintained accurately and efficientlyTo undertake other tasks as and when required.Skills and Qualifications:Required:Experience of working within a fast-paced HR environment, ideally manufacturing or retailExperience of delivering a broad range of HR adviceUnderstanding of end-to-end HR processes and proceduresAbility to identify and resolve standard HR problems or issues and take necessary actions to prevent them from developingGood knowledge of HR processes and employment practicesAbility to advise and support managers confidently and pragmaticallyEmpathy and sound judgement when handling sensitive or complex people mattersProven ability to plan and prioritise a busy workload and meet agreed targets/deadlinesExcellent attention to detailProfessional, reliable and self-sufficientFriendly, approachable with a can-do attitudeDesirable:CIPD Level 5 qualification or similar qualification / experienceExperience using Workday or other HR systems and data analysis toolsKnowledge of HR regulations, law and best practiceExperience implementing new initiatives and change to support organisational growthExperience handling sensitive employee relations mattersBy submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.TPBN1_UKTJ