People Operations and Workforce Planning Advisor EOII

Job Title: People Operations & Workforce Planning Advisor

Grade: EOII
Branch: People & Culture
Location: AFBI Headquarters - Newforge Lane
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week

About the Role

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised People Operations & Workforce Planning Advisor to join their People & Culture Branch.

In this key role, you will support workforce planning and people operations processes, ensuring effective management of recruitment, agency frameworks, and HR governance. You will contribute directly to AFBI's organisational success by delivering a professional and proactive HR service aligned with AFBI's strategic objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about driving efficient and people-centred workforce practices.

Key Responsibilities

The main duties of the post will include:

1. Supporting and prioritising external recruitment processes with AFBI stakeholders and HRConnect (external HR provider), ensuring accurate and timely record keeping.
2. Managing the full life cycle of workforce planning processes to ensure efficient resourcing and workforce forecasting.
3. Administering and managing the agency worker framework, supporting stakeholders to secure temporary cover promptly.
4. Maintaining accurate records and documentation for the use of agency workers.
5. Providing advice and guidance on People and Culture-related queries, ensuring policies and procedures are upheld.
6. Producing regular reports and management information on recruitment, workforce planning and people metrics.
7. Conducting internal audits monthly and securing independent sign-off.
8. Supporting meetings and preparing high-quality and timely notes and documentation.
9. Assisting in absence management processes and maintaining accurate employee data.
10. Promoting effective communication within the People & Culture team and across AFBI divisions.
11. Upholding confidentiality, professionalism, and duty of care at all times.

This list is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may be required to carry out other duties as allocated by management.

Essential Criteria

1. Education:

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths at Grades A-C.

• Hold or be working towards membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

• At least one year's experience providing effective guidance and hands-on support in Workforce Planning and People Operations processes.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and producing management reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel (including use of pivot tables) and Word.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience in a public sector or large organisational HR environment.
• Knowledge of HR systems and data management tools.
• CIPD Level 5 or higher qualification.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage competing priorities.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional standards.

Why Join AFBI?

AFBI offers a supportive and collaborative working environment where you can make a real impact on the success of one of Northern Ireland's leading scientific organisations. You'll have the opportunity to develop your HR career while contributing to AFBI's mission to deliver excellence in agri-food science and innovation.

Apply Now!
Take the next step in your career and join a rewarding role with AFBI. Apply today or contact Hannah Fitzsimons at [email protected]