Department: Human Resources

Reporting to: Head of HR

Grade: 7

Salary: £47,001 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 31st March 2026

Interview date: 1st Stage teams interviews scheduled for 9th April. 2nd Stage F2F interviews scheduled for 20th April 2026.

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

We’re looking for an experienced HR & Payroll Advisor to join our HR team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an exciting time to join us as we support the organisation through significant change, including the implementation of a new ERP system.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in delivering a high-quality, people-focused HR and payroll service. You’ll provide practical, solutions-oriented support to colleagues and managers, helping us embed a collaborative ‘One Team’ culture across the organisation.

Key responsibilities:

HR Advisory

• Providing professional advice to managers on HR policy, processes and best practice.

• Supporting managers with complex Employee Relations matters including performance, absence and conduct.

• Ensuring HR activities (contracts, variations, terminations, recruitment administration) are completed accurately and on time.

• Contributing to policy development and supporting consultation and implementation.

• Staying up to date with employment law and sharing updates with managers.

• Supporting recruitment activity, including interviews and coaching hiring managers.

Payroll

Support the Senior Payroll Administrator in:

• Processing payrolls from start to finish including starters, leavers, changes and other monthly ad hoc payroll actions.

• Ensuring accurate and timely payment to all employees by running monthly pay runs

• Ensure legislative timelines for submitting monthly HMRC returns are met.

• Responding to employee payroll and benefits queries, providing clear and helpful guidance.

• Assist with processing pension contributions and other deductions, submitting timely returns as well as monthly reporting to our Finance team.

What we are looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is both technically strong and people‑focused, someone who can build trust, communicate clearly and keep things running smoothly.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in generalist HR advisory work, including case management.

• Practical experience in payroll administration and confidence working with payroll systems.

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience.

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and how to apply it in real-world scenarios.

• Experience using HR and payroll systems (ERP experience desirable).

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

• A collaborative, inclusive approach aligned to our organisational values.

Our behaviours

We look for people who:

Work as One Team – build strong relationships, support others and work collaboratively.

Always Improve – learn from experience, share ideas, and seek better ways of doing things.

Do the Right Thing – act with integrity, respect and professionalism.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

• Generous pension

• Onsite parking with electric charging

• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Jemma Jeffery, Head of HR at jemma.jeffery@pla.co.uk

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.