People and Operations Assistant Full Time NEW

Hybrid – 1 day a WFH

Reporting to: Director of People and Operations

Location: London (22 Berners Street) plus some flexibility to work remotely 1 day per week.

What are we for?

The Observer’s promise is in the name. The Observer bears witness; the best of journalism being curious minds at work. It loves the arts and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change lives. It’s proudly progressive, but has no party allegiance. It’s open to different arguments and its editorial independence is non-negotiable. We are building a new Observer across print, audio and digital. We’re here to build journalism that lasts.

What is the role?

This role is the operational backbone of The Observer, ensuring that our people have the environment, tools, and support they need to do their best work. This role is a hybrid of people management and office logistics, with some IT coordination.

People & Culture

• Employee Lifecycle: Manage the full administrative lifecycle from onboarding (contracts, right-to-work checks, inductions) to offboarding (exit interviews, equipment return)
• Policy & Compliance: Assist in updating and maintaining our policies and processes, ensuring compliance with UK employment law
• Culture & Wellbeing: Manage and drive initiatives focused on supporting staff wellbeing, specifically addressing the challenges of a fast-paced, evolving work environment.
• People Data & Payroll: Help to implement and maintain the Human Resources Information System (Hi-Bob), ensuring accuracy of data and be the primary contact with our payroll provider to ensure monthly accuracy
• Recruitment Support: Manage job postings, filter initial applications, and coordinate interview schedules

Operations & Facilities (Fora Contact)

• Fora relationship (serviced office company): Act as the primary point of contact with Fora. Resolve issues regarding access, cleaning, security, and meeting room bookings
• Health & Safety: Act as the designated Health & Safety officer, conducting risk assessments and ensuring fire warden and first-aid coverage are in place
• Resource Management: Manage office supplies and subscriptions, ensuring our people have what they need without exceeding the budget
• Process Improvement: Identify bottlenecks in internal processes (e.g., how expenses are claimed) and implement smoother workflows

Strategic Support

• Assist the Director of People and Operations with annual budgeting and headcount planning
• Produce monthly reports on people metrics (turnover, sickness) and Operational spend.

Person Specification

Experience & Skills

• Hybrid experience: Proven experience in a role that blended office management/operations with people responsibilities
• Sector awareness: Experience working in media, publishing, or a similarly fast-paced, deadline-driven environment is highly desirable
• Human resources knowledge: Understanding of UK employment law basics and best practices (CIPD Level 3 or 5 is a plus, but not essential if experience is strong).

Personal Attributes

• Newsroom mindset: You understand that news doesn’t stop. You are resilient, calm under pressure, and adaptable when priorities change instantly
• Problem solver: You don’t just flag issues; you come up with proactive solutions.
• High discretion: You will handle sensitive salary and personal data with absolute confidentiality
• Service-oriented: You view our people as your “customers” and take pride in removing obstacles so they can work at their full potential

Salary & Benefits

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Private healthcare
• Group income protection & life assurance
• Pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom
• Hybrid working (London newsroom + 1 day remote flexibility)

Our Process

We aim to run our interview process at pace and with clarity at every stage, recognising how challenging it can be to balance alongside other commitments or interviews. The number of stages will vary depending on the nature and level of the role, but we see this as a two-way process and hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet a range of potential future colleagues.