Full Time (37 hrs per week) – Permanent – High Wycombe
You will be a member of the People Operations Team within the overall people function. You will play a key role in delivering an effective, responsive HR service to the University. You’ll be a trusted adviser to managers and colleagues, offering clear guidance on HR policies, terms and conditions, and all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
You will practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.
What we offer:
* Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
* Contributory pension scheme
* Discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
* A range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Job Description
Job Title: People Operations Advisor
Faculty/Directorate: People
Grade: E
Location: High Wycombe
Hours: 37
Responsible to: Head of People Operations
Job Purpose:
To support the People Operations team in delivering an effective and efficient HR service to the University and its designated business areas. This includes providing managers and staff with advice and guidance on a wide range of HR matters across the employee lifecycle, such as terms and conditions of employment and the appropriate application of HR policies and procedures.
* Act as first point of contact for the People Business Partner dealing with personal, telephone and written enquiries from employees and customers, both internal and external to the University.
* Be responsible for the administration of all employee changes, including changes of hours, upgrades, promotions, and temporary allowances, ensuring that the HR system is updated accordingly, and payroll are informed promptly.
* Ensure transactional HR processes are carried out in a timely manner (including overseeing probation checks, absence reviews, pension administration, visa expiry dates and ending fixed term contracts), ensuring that the HR system is updated accordingly, and payroll are informed.
* Ensure the data as a result of changes, leavers and new starters is kept up-to-date and accurate on Business Connect and exit interviews are carried out for off‑boarding employees.
* Monitor and action regular reports from Business Connect (HR System) as appropriate, such as monthly sickness absence reports, duration of fixed‑term contract and probation reports.
* Support, advise, and guide managers on all aspects of resourcing (including advertising, short‑listing, arranging interviews, participating in interviews, making offers and onboarding) for both permanent and temporary employees, and to ensure that all recruitment matters are handled effectively and efficiently.
* Undertake and lead on the necessary processes for the appointment of new starters, including obtaining pre‑employment checks or other clearances (e.g. DBS checks), issuing contracts and other related documentation.
* Be proactive and monitor sickness absence for all employees, keeping the People Business Partner informed of absence problems and providing appropriate administrative support for ill‑health referrals, liaising with the University Occupational Health provider as appropriate.
* Manage maternity, paternity and parental leave cases, employee queries, issuing letters and supporting line managers and employees.
* Assist in the handling of employee grievance and disciplinary cases and other case work as required.
* Organise, service and act as a note‑taker where required in employee meetings and make the necessary arrangements for room bookings.
* With guidance, manage any ER case work that is allocated.
* Provide support for and take the lead on some HR projects when required.
* Maintain and audit employee files and records in electronic and paper format.
* Support the people aspects of change programmes across the University.
* Participate in the development of the University’s HR service, to undertake continuous personal and professional development of the University’s HR service and to undertake continuous improvement.
* Ensure the HR/Recruitment trackers are maintained and kept up to date.
* Administration of HR related suppliers in Business Connect, including raising of purchase orders and invoice management.
* Run basic pre‑prepared reports from Business, Connect and produce statistics when requested by the People Business Partners.
* Maintain knowledge of current employment legislation to ensure the process is robust, consistent and in line with current legislation.
* Provide support and cover to other People Operations Advisors.
* Build and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to partner and raise the profile of the People team, meeting regularly with managers.
* Volunteer to support the Colleges and PSE areas in direct student activities such as graduation and enrolment duties where possible.
Closing Date: 22 May 2026
Due to the salary for this post, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship to the successful candidate. If you are invited to interview, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and, if on a Visa, current visa and status.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e‑learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Contact the People team at people@bnu.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
For further information about this role please contact Sharon.egan@bnu.ac.uk.
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