HR Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Oxford is seeking a permanent HR Manager to lead the HR function and contribute to departmental strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in HR operations, excellent knowledge of UK employment law, and the ability to foster an inclusive environment. This full-time role offers hybrid working options, requiring 37.5 hours a week, with occasional work-from-home possibilities.

Qualifications

• Degree-educated or equivalent, experience managing HR operations in a complex organization.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, managing complex employee-relations casework.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to coach and support managers.
• Analytical and well-organized with the ability to use HR data for decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of a professional HR service, manage a small team, act as senior HR adviser.
• Oversee Academic HR, including tenure review and recognition cycle.
• Lead HR projects and policy development, coach line managers.
• Represent department at HR networks and working groups.

Job description

The Department of Economics at the University of Oxford is seeking to appoint a permanent HR Manager to shape and lead the HR function, advising senior academic and professional leaders and contributing to departmental strategy.

The Department of Economics is a large, internationally recognised department with a high volume of academic activity and a fast‑paced, research‑driven culture. It is collaborative, friendly and ambitious, with a strong commitment to creating an inclusive environment where staff and students can thrive.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a professional and responsive HR service for the department; oversee all HR operations, manage and support a small team, and act as the senior HR adviser to the Head of Department, the Head of Administration and Finance, and other senior colleagues.
• Have oversight of Academic HR, including academic probation and review (tenure) and the reward and recognition cycle, and act as Secretary to tenure and reward panels, including preparing reports for panel consideration.
• Take the lead on HR projects, policy development and improvements to HR systems and processes, whilst coaching line managers to build people‑management capability and confidence.
• Represent the department at divisional and University HR networks and working groups.

Qualifications

• Degree‑educated (or equivalent) and working at CIPD Graduate level or above, with relevant and recent experience of managing HR operations in a complex organisation.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and proven experience of managing complex employee‑relations casework with confidence, sound judgement, and discretion.
• Strategic awareness combined with a practical, hands‑on approach, delivering a professional and responsive HR service; excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coach and support managers, build effective working relationships at all levels, and contribute to the development of an inclusive and positive working environment.
• Analytical and well‑organised, with the ability to use HR data to inform decision‑making and help shape departmental strategy.

Working Hours

Full‑time, permanent (37.5 hours per week). Hybrid, one work‑from‑home day per week with current trial of two work‑from‑home days a week.