Deputy HR Manager

Corehr; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Travel discounts

Social and sports clubs

Job summary

University of Oxford, Department of Computer Science, is seeking an experienced Deputy HR Manager to lead the HR team. The role involves advising on a broad range of people matters, managing employee relations casework and supporting managers with complex situations.

You will coach colleagues, foster partnerships across the department and drive continuous service improvement. The position is full-time with hybrid working; typical site presence is three days per week, and there is a strong focus

Qualifications

• Experienced HR professional with strong technical knowledge and sound judgement.
• Proactive, approachable and comfortable taking ownership; able to manage difficult conversations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of a high-quality HR service.
• Provide expert, pragmatic advice on a broad range of people matters, including employee relations casework.
• Coach and develop HR colleagues to build knowledge, confidence and professional judgement.
• Partner with managers to strengthen partnerships and responsible people management.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement and turn ideas into action.

Skills

Employee relations

People management

Policy compliance

HR advisory

Stakeholder management

Job description

Department of Computer Science, DTC, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford.

Deputy HR Manager

Permanent upon successful completion of a one-year probationary period

Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Grade 7: £39,424 to £47,779 per annum (with a discretionary range to £51,983) per annum, inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting)

Internal candidates will be given priority and must apply via the Employee Dashboard.

About the Role

The Department of Computer Science is seeking an experienced, proactive and people-focused HR professional to join our ambitious and evolving HR team as Deputy HR Manager.

This is a key leadership role within the HR team and an opportunity to make a real contribution to how our service develops. Working in close partnership with the HR Manager, you will help lead the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality, responsive and forward-looking HR service.

You will provide expert, pragmatic advice on a broad range of people matters, taking a lead on employee relations casework and supporting managers to navigate complex situations with confidence and good judgement. You will bring a strong understanding of HR practice and employment legislation, ensuring University policy is applied fairly, consistently and inclusively.

An important part of the role will be developing others. You will coach and support HR colleagues to build their knowledge, confidence and professional judgement. You will also work with managers across the Department, building effective partnerships and encouraging confident and responsible people management.

Alongside operational delivery, you will work closely with the HR Manager to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen ways of working and continue the development of our HR service. We are looking for someone who is comfortable contributing ideas, constructively challenging existing approaches and turning improvements into action.

About You

You will be an experienced HR professional with strong technical knowledge, sound judgement and a genuine interest in developing both people and services.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, approachable and comfortable taking ownership. You will know when to make a decision, when to challenge constructively and when to seek another perspective. You will be able to manage difficult conversations sensitively and confidently, while maintaining effective relationships and service delivery across competing priorities.

The Deputy HR Manager will work closely with the HR Manager, bringing their own expertise, ideas and perspective to the partnership. We are looking for someone who wants to contribute, question, problem-solve and shape our direction together.

You will be joining at an exciting point in the development of the HR function, with the opportunity to influence how we work, develop the team and help build an HR service characterised by expertise, trust, ownership and continuous improvement.

About Us

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Computer Science at Oxford is renowned for pioneering research and teaching across diverse fields, consistently ranking among the best in the world. Our commitment to innovation drives us to tackle complex technological and societal challenges.

What We Offer

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time jobs)
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

This role offers a flexibility of hybrid working with a mixture of on-site and remote working possible. The usual on-site presence for departmental staff is 3 days per week.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a supporting statement and an up-to-date CV as part of your online application.

Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the essential selection criteria listed in the job description. Applications that do not include a supporting statement and CV, or fail to address the criteria in sufficient detail, will not be considered.

While we recognise the value of AI tools in supporting application preparation, applications should reflect your own experience, achievements and understanding of the role.

Applications that appear generic or fail to demonstrate personal insight may not be progressed.

The closing date for applications is midday on 31st August 2026. Interviews are expected to be held in mid‑late September.

Salary (£) : £39,424 to £47,779 per annum (with a discretionary range to £51,983) per annum, inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting)