The Union at MMU– a friendly organisation that genuinely cares about its community – is looking for an experienced and passionate People & Culture Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality, people-focused service.
Key Responsibilities
* Providing expert advice and coaching to managers and senior leaders, supporting effective people management and consistent application of best practice.
* Overseeing the full employee lifecycle, including inclusive recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management and employee relations.
* Maintaining up-to-date HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with UK employment law and sector standards.
* Driving culture, wellbeing and engagement initiatives that promote an inclusive, values-driven workplace where staff and students can thrive.
* Leading organisational development and learning, including the identification of training needs, coordinating development pathways and improving the integration into appraisal systems.
* Contributing to strategic planning by advising senior leaders on people-related risks, opportunities and organisational improvements.
* Overseeing and supporting people projects and change initiatives such as workforce development, culture programmes and improvements to people processes and systems.
* Leading data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, using people and operational insights to enhance services, systems and organisational effectiveness.
* Supporting the process and compliance with employee relations cases, including investigations, performance, grievances and disciplinaries, ensuring fair and timely outcomes.
* Line managing the Customer Services Manager and Union Administrator, ensuring high-quality delivery of customer‑facing services and administrative support.
Skills and Experience
* A CIPD qualification or equivalent professional experience.
* Demonstrable experience of working in HR management or in an HR advisory role.
* Experience of managing the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit.
* Experience of implementing HR systems, processes or improvement projects.
* Experience of embedding inclusive practices within the HR environment.
* Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
* Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and how to embed them in HR practice.
* Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
* Practical problem solver with the ability to work independently to manage workload and ensure personal deadlines are met.
* Professional, empathetic, and confident when supporting staff and managers.
* 26 days’ annual leave plus at least six discretionary days (four at Christmas and two at Easter) and Bank holidays.
* Employer pension contribution matched up to 6%.
* Hybrid working supported in line with business needs.
* Supportive, needs‑based compassionate and other leave.
* Supportive maternity, parental, adoption and partner’s leave.
* Cost of your eye test covered and £100 towards new glasses.
* An employee assistance programme to support your wellbeing.
* Plenty of opportunities for learning and development.
* Access to student discounts online and in the city.
Salary:£35,860 to £39,429 per annum.
Contract and Hours: Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week (part‑time applications welcomed).
Location: The Union, Manchester Metropolitan University, M15 6AD.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Thursday 18th June 2026.
J-18808-Ljbffr