HR Executive - 12 month Maternity Cover

Introducing Zinc Network For over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping governments and businesses navigate the world's most complex challenges using communications, technology, and behavioural science. We work on some of the toughest briefs: protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations. Working in partnership with a global network of media outlets, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand complex issues, design and deliver behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact. We're now building Kora — our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology, enabling clients to work faster, more impactfully, and more cost-effectively. We're looking for people who want to operate at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and technological disruption, and who are committed to building a safer, more secure world.

Outline of the job As HR Executive, you will play a key role in delivering proactive HR support across the organisation and contributing to initiatives that enhance employee engagement, talent development, and organisational effectiveness. You will take ownership of core HR processes, provide first-line guidance to managers and employees, and contribute to the continuous improvement of HR practices. In this role, you will oversee and maintain HR records, manage recruitment activities, lead onboarding processes, and support employee relations matters, ensuring compliance with HR policies, procedures, and UK and local country employment legislation. The HR Executive will be based in London and be expected to be in our London office at least 2 days per week.

What You'll Be Doing Recruitment and Onboarding: Assist in the recruitment process by posting job openings, screening applications, scheduling interviews, and coordinating candidate communication Prepare new hire paperwork and conduct orientation sessions to ensure a smooth onboarding experience for new employees Work closely with hiring managers to facilitate the onboarding process and ensure new hires are integrated into the organisation effectively Take ownership of the full recruitment lifecycle for certain roles, including drafting job descriptions, advising managers on selection methods, and ensuring a consistent and fair hiring process Support hiring managers with interview guidance and best practices, ensuring compliance with UK and local country employment legislation HR Administration: Maintain accurate and up-to-date HR records, including employee information, contracts, leave records and training records Prepare HR-related documents, such as employment contracts, offer letters, and termination letters Support with updating and organising the employee handbook and other HR policies and procedures Take responsibility for ensuring HR documentation and processes comply with current UK employment law and best practice Produce HR reports as required, analysing data to identify trends in absence, turnover, training, and employee demographics Support the development and implementation of new HR systems, processes, or improvements to enhance efficiency Employee Relations: Aid in resolving employee inquiries and concerns, escalating issues as necessary to the Managing Director/ Head of Corporate services Foster a positive and inclusive work environment by promoting employee engagement activities, team-building and well-being initiatives Research and administration of employee perks Provide first-line HR advice to employees and managers on performance, conduct, attendance, and general HR queries Support the coordination and documentation of employee relations processes, including investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, and probation reviews Represent Zinc at high-level meetings with clients and project partners, All while embodying the values of Zinc Network Requirements What we need from you... Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field Proven experience (1 year) as an HR Coordinator or in a similar administrative role Knowledge of HR processes and best practices Excellent organisational skills with keen attention to detail Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Right to work in the UK Area of Selection We're committed to hiring a diverse workforce from different professional and cultural backgrounds, and to that end we encourage a variety of people to apply to join our company to represent the diverse range of subjects associated with our projects. Conditions of Employment Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to: Disclose any previous disciplinary action against them resulting from a substantiated safeguarding (including any breaches involving trafficking- related activities) or workplace investigation Undergo background checks including employment verification, sexual offender registry (as available), identity confirmation, and anti-terrorism vetting How To Apply Please include a cover letter stating how you meet each of the requirements. If you require an accommodation to be made at any point throughout the recruitment process, please advise us when contacted.