People Operations Coordinator - 12 month FTC

About the Role

Who sets the standards, to ensure that anything that can be measured is done so with consistency and reliability? We do. Through our vital research, the National Physical Laboratory is helping support scientific and commercial innovations, international trade, environmental protection and health and wellbeing. It’s why our people mean everything to us, as they’re the ones behind our greatest achievements. As a People Coordinator, you’ll help deliver a highly efficient People service that supports the team to go on to do even greater things.

About the Role

As a People Operations Coordinator, you will be the first point of contact for all People-related queries from colleagues, candidates and managers. You will provide clear, accurate information and first‑line advice across the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, contracts, payroll changes, security checks and day‑to‑day People processes.

Working across a diverse portfolio and in a and fast‑paced environment, you will play a key role in ensuring People operations run smoothly, consistently and in compliance with employment legislation. From updating People Team systems and maintaining high data integrity, to supporting team-wide initiatives and continuous improvement projects, your work will help us deliver an exceptional People experience.

You will also support the coordination of visa and sponsorship activities, ensuring all documentation, approvals and records are completed accurately and on time.

We work in a hybrid way, offering a balance between office and remote working to support wellbeing, collaboration and a positive work–life balance. To maximise team collaboration, you will be expected to be in the office at least 2 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate employee inductions, ensuring new starters receive a positive, well‑structured introduction to the organisation, including presenting key People-related information.
• Coordinate the BPSS screening process with our 3 rd party supplier, ensuring all required checks (right to work, identity, references, criminal record declarations, etc.) are completed accurately and in line with compliance standards.
• Accurately maintain and update the People system (ResourceLink), inputting and validating data to ensure smooth colleague lifecycle.
• Utilise Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) to deliver high-quality administrative support, documentation and proactive communication.

• Provide first-line advice on People policies, procedures and employee lifecycle processes.

• Administer and coordinate activities across the full range of People programs and processes.
• Ensure all People procedures are completed accurately, efficiently and in compliance with legislation and policy.

• Coordinate reporting and ensure data integrity to support organisational decision‑making.

• Help maintain digital People platforms such as SharePoint.

• Collate required documentation and approvals for People activities and ensure timely, accurate entry into relevant systems.

• Support visa and sponsorship processes, ensuring ongoing compliance, timely submissions and accurate record-keeping.

• Provide administrative, coordination and project support across the wider People team.

About You

What We’re Looking For

If you’re a highly organised, people-focused professional with strong attention to detail and a passion for delivering excellent service, this role is a fantastic opportunity.

You’ll thrive if you enjoy working in a dynamic team, solving problems, and take pride in supporting colleagues in delivering meaningful, high-impact work.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward . We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview