PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The HR Manager provides hands-on, operational HR support across academic and professional services teams, ensuring people processes are fair, compliant, and effective.
The role supports managers across recruitment, employee relations, onboarding, payroll coordination, and policy application, helping deliver a positive employee experience and inclusive workplace culture. Working closely with senior leaders, the postholder ensures HR practices are consistent, legally compliant, and aligned with organisational values and growth plans
We value the student experience and student support
We promote inclusivity, diversity and equity
We work with innovation
We behave with respect
We expect integrity-led professional behaviour
We foster environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The post-holder will report directly to the Head of HR. The Provost of the College acts as Executive Lead for the role and will work collaboratively with the Head of HR, including providing interim line management oversight during periods of Head of HR absence.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
HR Advisory & Employee Relations
Support the Head of HR with providing up-to-date and consistent HR advice and guidance to Board of Directors, Executive Board and Heads of Departments.
Support employee relations cases including sickness absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, and probation
Recruitment & Onboarding
Oversee recruitment for academic and professional services roles
Ensure compliance with right-to-work checks, fixed-term contract regulations, and equality legislation
Oversee onboarding for new colleagues, including probation and mentoring arrangements
Policy, Compliance & Governance
Support the Head of HR with maintenance of HR policies aligned with HE governance structures
Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and internal regulatory frameworks
Assist with audits, equality reporting, and sector benchmarking
Engagement, Equality & Wellbeing
Support equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives
Contribute to staff engagement and wellbeing programmes
Promote positive employee relations in a unionised environment
Compensation & Benefits
Ensure that monthly payroll is run accurately and on time.
Liaise with Line Managers regarding overtime and timesheet anomalies
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards)
35 years UK HR generalist or advisory experience
Practical knowledge of UK employment law
Experience supporting employee relations cases
Ability to work confidently with academic stakeholders
Strong written, verbal, and report-writing skills
Payroll Knowledge
Desirable
HR experience in Higher Education or public sector
Experience working in a unionised environment
Understanding of academic probation and fixed-term contracts
CIPD Level 7 (or intention to progress)
Company Overview
Please visit our company website for more information
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