HR Assistant / Administrator Jobs in Manchester M2 – Immediate Start with Competitive Pay

Workers-Direct is actively recruiting for an experienced HR Assistant / Administrator for an immediate temporary-to-permanent placement in the vibrant Manchester M2 postcode area. This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to support a dynamic HR function with an ASAP start, a competitive pay rate reflective of your experience, and the potential for ongoing, long-term work for the right candidate.
If you are looking for immediate start roles in Manchester, possess strong administrative skills, and have a passion for supporting people operations, we want to hear from you today. Our dedicated Manchester recruitment consultants are ready to match you with this and other similar HR Administrator vacancies across the city centre and surrounding areas.
Job Description: HR Assistant / Administrator
We are seeking a proactive and organised HR Assistant to join a forward-thinking organisation based in the heart of Manchester. This pivotal role supports the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding new starters to maintaining meticulous personnel records. The ideal candidate will be the backbone of the HR department, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and providing exceptional administrative support. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is looking to build or expand their career in human resources within a supportive team.
Partnering with Workers-Direct gives you direct access to unadvertised roles and trusted employers across Greater Manchester. We specialise in connecting talented individuals like Healthcare Assistants, Cashiers, Stock Controllers, and administrative professionals with businesses that need reliable staff immediately. Our deep understanding of the local Manchester job market, from the bustling M2 district to the commercial hubs in Salford and Trafford, means we can find the right fit for your skills and career aspirations. For more insights into securing roles quickly, explore our guide on finding immediate start jobs.
This specific HR Administrator role offers a clear path for professional development. You'll gain hands-on experience with HR systems, employment law compliance, and recruitment coordination, making it an excellent stepping stone for anyone aiming for an HR Advisor or Officer position in the future.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to the HR Manager and wider team, including diary management, meeting coordination, and preparing documentation.
- Manage the employee lifecycle administration process: preparing contracts of employment, processing new starter paperwork, and coordinating induction schedules.
- Maintain and update the HR Information System (HRIS) and personnel files with absolute accuracy, ensuring all data is GDPR compliant and audit-ready.
- Act as the first point of contact for general HR enquiries from employees, directing them to appropriate policies or escalating issues as necessary.
- Assist with the recruitment process by scheduling interviews, communicating with candidates, and collating feedback from hiring managers.
- Support payroll by providing accurate monthly changes data, including new starters, leavers, and contractual amendments.
- Coordinate training sessions and track employee development records, ensuring mandatory training compliance is met.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism at all times.
Essential Skills & Requirements
To be successful in this Manchester-based HR Assistant role, you will need to demonstrate the following experience and qualities:
- Proven administrative experience: Minimum of 6-12 months in an office-based administrative role, ideally within a HR, recruitment, or professional services environment.
- Exceptional organisational skills: Ability to prioritise a varied workload, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintain a high level of attention to detail.
- Strong IT literacy: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, and Outlook) and the ability to learn new HR software quickly.
- Excellent communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with staff at all levels.
- Discretion and confidentiality: A clear understanding of the importance of handling sensitive employee data appropriately.
- Proactive attitude: A self-starter who can work independently as well as part of a team, anticipating needs and suggesting improvements to processes.
What's It Like to Work in HR & Administration?
Considering a career in HR or office support? Watch our expert guide to understand the skills employers are looking for and how to position yourself for success in 2026. This advice is just as relevant for HR Administrators as it is for Stock Controllers and Cashiers seeking to advance their careers.
Salary, Pay & Benefits Details
We believe in transparent communication regarding remuneration. The pay rate for this HR Assistant / Administrator position is competitive and designed to attract skilled professionals.
- Hourly Pay Rate: £12.00 - £15.00 per hour (PAYE). The final rate is dependent on your relevant experience and qualifications.
- Payment Schedule: Weekly pay, every Friday, for all hours worked the previous week.
- Holiday Pay: Accrued and paid in accordance with UK employment law.
- Working Hours: Typical office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. Some flexibility may be required.
- Potential Benefits (upon permanent placement): After a successful temporary period, the hiring company may offer a permanent contract including benefits such as company pension, private healthcare, and enhanced annual leave.
*All pay rates are indicative and will be confirmed at the point of interview. For other roles, such as Healthcare Assistant or warehouse positions, different pay structures may apply. You can use tools like our Warehouse Salary Calculator for comparison.
Why Register with Workers-Direct in Manchester?
As a leading recruitment and temporary staffing agency in Manchester M2 and across the UK, Workers-Direct specialises in bridging the gap between talented individuals and businesses that need reliable support fast. Our local expertise means we understand the unique demands of the Manchester market. When you register with us, you gain access to more than just this one role.
- Local Market Mastery: Our consultants live and work in Greater Manchester. We have strong relationships with employers from SMEs to large corporates in the M2 area and beyond.
- Speed & Efficiency: Our registration process is streamlined and fast. We know you need to start earning quickly, so we prioritise getting you interview-ready and connected with employers.
- Career Pathway Support: Whether you're a seasoned HR Administrator or looking to transition from a Cashier or Stock Controller role into office-based work, we provide guidance and suitable opportunities.
- Onging Support: You are assigned a dedicated consultant who will be your point of contact, offering advice, interview preparation, and feedback.
- Variety of Opportunities: Access to temporary, part-time, full-time, and temp-to-perm roles across multiple sectors. Discover the flexibility explained in our guide Mastering Temp Job Agencies.
We also support employers with robust candidate screening & selection processes, ensuring you are matched with reputable companies.
How to Apply for This HR Assistant Role
Ready to Start Your New Role in Manchester?
This HR Assistant / Administrator position is in high demand and interviews are being scheduled immediately. Follow these simple steps to apply through Workers-Direct:
- Click 'Apply Now': Use the button below to submit a quick application for this specific vacancy. This alerts our Manchester team to your interest.
- Complete Registration: A consultant will contact you to complete a brief registration, discuss your experience, and confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.
- Interview Preparation: We will arrange a virtual or in-person interview with the hiring company and provide you with all the details and preparation tips you need.
- Start Your Role: Upon a successful interview, we will coordinate your start date, ensuring a smooth onboarding process.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Other Immediate Start Roles in Manchester
If this specific HR Assistant role isn't quite right, Workers-Direct has hundreds of other vacancies across Manchester M2 and Greater Manchester. Below is a selection of immediate start opportunities. For a full list, visit our All Jobs page.
| Job Title | Location | Pay Rate | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR Administrator | Salford, M3 | £13.50 p/h | Apply |
| Payroll Administrator | Manchester, M1 | £14.00 p/h | Apply |
| Receptionist | Manchester, M2 | £11.50 p/h | Apply |
| Healthcare Assistant (HCA) | Manchester, M8 | £11.20 - £13.00 p/h | Apply |
| Data Entry Clerk | Trafford Park, M17 | £10.80 p/h | Apply |
| Customer Service Advisor | Manchester City Centre | £11.00 p/h | Apply |
| Sales Administrator | Stockport, SK1 | £12.50 p/h | Apply |
| Cashier / Retail Assistant | Arndale Centre, M4 | £10.42 p/h | Apply |
| Warehouse Operative | Oldham, OL1 | £10.90 p/h | Apply |
| Stock Controller | Rochdale, OL11 | £11.75 p/h | Apply |
All pay rates are indicative and subject to experience, specific shift patterns, and client requirements. For more information on pay in other sectors, explore our Resources section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What experience do I need for this HR Assistant role in Manchester?
While prior HR experience is advantageous, we are looking primarily for strong administrators. If you have 6-12 months of office experience, excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office), and superb attention to detail, you likely have the core skills needed. Experience in related fields like recruitment, as a Cashier handling sensitive transactions, or as a Stock Controller managing inventory data can be highly relevant. We provide training on specific HR systems.
How quickly can I start after applying?
We specialise in immediate start roles. The process can be very fast. If your application is strong and you are available immediately, we can often arrange an interview within 24-48 hours, with a potential start date the following week. For more insights on securing quick starts, read our guide Jobs Romford: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Immediate Start Roles.
Is this role temporary or permanent?
This particular vacancy is offered on a temporary basis initially, with a clear view to becoming a permanent position for the right candidate ("temp-to-perm"). This allows both you and the employer to ensure it's a good mutual fit. Many of our roles offer this pathway. Learn more about this model on our dedicated Temporary to Permanent Jobs page.
What makes Workers-Direct different from other Manchester agencies?
Our focus is on local, personal service and quality. We don't just fill slots; we build career pathways. Our consultants take the time to understand your skills and goals. We also invest in advanced candidate screening strategies to ensure our candidates are well-matched and prepared, which benefits both job seekers and employers. Additionally, we serve a wide range of sectors, from administration to warehouse and construction.
Do you have other HR or office support roles in Greater Manchester?
Absolutely. We consistently recruit for a wide array of office-based positions across Manchester, including HR Advisors, Recruitment Coordinators, Office Managers, Data Analysts, and Executive Assistants. The M2 postcode is a hub for such roles. We recommend registering your CV with us broadly to be considered for all suitable opportunities. You can start by visiting our CV Registration page.
Explore More from Workers-Direct
Whether you're a job seeker in Manchester or an employer looking for talent, Workers-Direct is your partner in the North West. Discover more about our services and insights:
Contact Workers-Direct Manchester
Manchester Office Enquiries
Phone: +44 (0)20 3086 8090
Email: [email protected]
For specific enquiries about this HR Assistant / Administrator role in M2, please quote reference MCR-HRA-2026.
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