Sabre Rail is a leading name in the rail industry, specialising in rail component overhaul, service, and manufacture. With over 36 years in industry, we have a wealth of experience in mainline, high speed, freight, metro, and light rail services and have established ourselves as a trusted partner for railway operators and manufacturers worldwide. At our office based in Newton Aycliffe, our dedicated team of around 100 staff are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive.
Are you ready to keep our people on track? We are looking for a confident, capable and people-focused
HR Administrator
to keep our internal operations running as smoothly as our rail systems. This is more than an admin role - it's a chance to truly get stuck in, support every stage of the employee journey, and be part of a company that values precision, passion, and people.
The Role
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will work closely with Departmental Managers, supporting them with various HR related administrative tasks, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management and training and development, whilst maintaining compliance with HR documentation and legislation. Although reporting to the Managing Director, you will have the confidence and autonomy to take ownership of key admin processes, helping to shape a workplace where people genuinely love to work.
What You'll Be Doing
Be the first point of contact for HR queries from staff and managers
Own our HR systems - keep records accurate, up to date, and compliant
Manage onboarding and offboarding processes with a warm and efficient touch
Draft contracts, letters, and documents - clear, correct, and always professional
Support recruitment admin - posting jobs, scheduling interviews, coordinating offers
Be involved in exciting people projects - from wellbeing initiatives to diversity and inclusion
Spot gaps and improve processes - we love fresh ideas
Key Responsibilities:
Provide advice and support to all staff on HR related issues, including interpreting HR policies and procedures to ensure best practice.
Execute efficient HR administrative processes across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, leavers, retirements, contract alterations, work experience, apprenticeships, flexible working requests and other HR related actions.
Maintain accurate employee records.
Manage the company Access Control system, monitoring key fobs for all staff, ensuring their distribution and return where required.
Ensure compliance with Data Protection Regulations.
Provide HR metrics to the business for use in weekly and monthly Management meetings as requested.
Communicate any employment law updates throughout the business, ensuring Managers are up to date with all current legislation.
Support Managers in managing absence by conducting return to work meetings if required, providing data on absence patterns or concerns, and ensuring adherence with company policy.
Provide support to Managers through effective administration of conflict resolution strategies, informal and formal disputes and grievances in the workplace.
Support staff through periods of absence, always maintaining utmost respect and confidentiality, whilst adhering to all employment legislation and company policies.
Coordinate the completion of annual Appraisals, providing documentation for Managers when required.
Promote a positive work environment by upholding the company values, fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion, and ensuring adherence to health, safety, and wellbeing strategies.
Assist with the coordination of in-house or off-site employee activities through involvement with the Employee Social Committee.
About You
This role would suit someone early in their HR career, working towards or willing to work towards CIPD Level 3 or further who's ready to roll up their sleeves and take ownership. You don't need to have all the answers - just the drive and confidence to figure things out, and the natural people sense to do things well.
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the success of our organisation. Applicants will have a minimum of two years demonstrable HR experience who can support stakeholders at all levels within the organisation.
We think you'll be:
Intelligent & switched-on
- you pick things up fast and love learning
Organised & proactive
- you get things done, and you stay on top of details
Confident & approachable
- people naturally trust you and feel supported by you
Discreet & trustworthy
- you handle sensitive information with care
Tech-savvy
- you're comfortable with systems, spreadsheets and new tools
Skills & Experience:
Strong administrator with 2 years of experience in a HR role.
Understanding of basic employment law.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail.
Confident to converse with employees at all levels and maintain a professional attitude.
A strong set of GCSE level academic results, including Level 5 or above in Maths and English
Ensure confidentiality is maintained.
Proficient use of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
What's in it for you?
A real chance to grow in HR - we'll support your development, pay for your CIPD course and give you space to shine A friendly, supportive workplace where people look out for each other
An Employee Assistance Programme, providing confidential off-site employee support
Company pension
25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
Additional service days at certain milestones in your employment
Company sick pay scheme
Family-friendly working policies
Extra celebratory holidays for personal events such as moving house or birth of a child
Opportunities to be involved in meaningful and charitable projects locally
Flexible working hours, where possible plus an extra day off for our Founders Day
Free, on-site parking available
Regular subsidised socials to suit a variety of interests, such as bowling, hiking etc
How to Apply
Sound like your kind of role? We'd love to hear from you. Send us your CV and a short note about why this role caught your eye. We don't need a long cover letter - just a bit about you and what makes you a great fit.
Level 3 subject to repayment terms and conditions should you leave the organisation within a certain timeframe
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: 28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Sick pay
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Education:
GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
Human resources: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person