Job Description

About the Trust
We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Join Our Team: People Services Specialist Opportunity
We’re excited to welcome a new People Service Specialist to our People Operations team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on delivering a high-quality support service, enjoys working with data and systems, and is passionate about creating a positive colleague experience.
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows a 37 hour, Monday–Friday working pattern, with flexible working options available. The role is primarily home based, with occasional travel to Trust locations and meetings as required.

In this exciting opportunity, you will play a pivotal role in delivering efficient, compliant, and high-quality People services. You’ll support the full colleague lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to maintaining accurate records and supporting payroll processes, ensuring our colleagues and managers receive a seamless and professional service.
Key Responsibilities
• Deliver high-quality, efficient People services across the full colleague lifecycle
• Maintain accurate and compliant People data across systems, including Dayforce
• Act as a trusted point of contact for colleagues and managers, resolving complex queries within defined SLAs
• Support recruitment, onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure a seamless colleague experience
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, GDPR and internal People policies including completing Right to Work & DBS checks
• Administer third party platforms including colleague benefits such as private medical insurance, cycle to work and reward schemes
• Produce and interpret People data and metrics to identify trends and support decision-making
• Support payroll processes through accurate data collation and verification of changes
• Contribute to continuous improvement through involvement in People projects, systems and process enhancements
• Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced People professional with a strong understanding of HR operations, systems, and employment legislation. You’ll be highly organised, confident working with data, and able to balance competing priorities while delivering an excellent service to colleagues and managers.
Skills & Qualifications
• Significant experience within a People/HR function (typically 3+ years)
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and payroll processes, including associated calculations
• Advanced Excel and strong numerical/data analysis skills
• Experience using HR systems such as Dayforce and reporting tools
• Ability to produce and interpret reports to identify trends and insights
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and advise
• Ability to work independently and make decisions within defined parameters
• Experience managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
• High level of discretion when handling confidential information
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer a salary of £31,000 with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.
Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits

Our values
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us