HR Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Family leave provisions

Rental and commuting support

Job summary

The University of Oxford seeks an HR Manager to lead the shared HR service for its digital and information services, delivering operational excellence and expert guidance on complex people matters. You will develop the HR team and partner with senior leaders to translate priorities into practical people plans.

You will shape HR services, manage risk, support change, and promote an inclusive workforce across the university’s evolving digital environment, with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent relevant skills and experience, with postgraduate HR qualification or CIPD membership.
• Experience of managing HR operations across the employment lifecycle in a large/complex organisation.
• Experience leading an HR team and coaching colleagues.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR policies and risk management.
• Experience managing complex employee relations and performance cases.
• Experience leading HR projects and organisational change.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities using workforce data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the shared HR service for the University's digital and information services.
• Provide expert guidance across the employment lifecycle and lead complex employee relations matters.
• Develop and manage the HR team, set priorities and build capability.
• Support organisational change initiatives and key HR projects.
• Shape HR services to align with digital transformation and strategy.

Skills

UK employment law

HR operations management

HR leadership

employee relations

organisational change

communication & influencing

problem solving & analytics

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Postgraduate HR qualification (e.g., CIPD)

Job description

As HR Manager, you will lead the shared HR service for the University's digital and information services, combining responsibility for operational excellence with authoritative advice on complex people matters. You will manage and develop the HR team, maintain consistently high service standards and help translate organisational priorities into practical people plans. Working with senior leaders, managers, the UAS HR Business Partner and specialist University services, you will provide expert guidance across the employment lifecycle and lead complex employee relations matters, organisational change and significant HR projects. You will use your knowledge of employment law, workforce information and HR practice to support sound decisions, manage risk and strengthen managers' confidence in handling people matters. This is a role with scope to shape how HR services develop as the University's digital and information services continue to evolve. You will contribute to people strategy, improve processes and controls, explore the responsible use of digital tools, AI and automation, and act as deputy to the Senior Administrator on people management matters. Successful delivery will enable an effective, resilient and inclusive workforce to support the University's wider digital transformation.

• A degree or equivalent relevant skills and experience, together with a postgraduate HR or related qualification, such as CIPD membership or another relevant professional or specialist qualification.
• Proven experience of managing HR operations across the employment lifecycle in a large or complex organisation, delivering a responsive and high‑quality HR service.
• Experience of leading and developing an HR team, including setting priorities, coaching colleagues and building capability.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of UK employment law, HR policies and procedures, with the ability to assess and manage risk effectively.
• Substantial experience of managing complex employee relations and performance cases fairly, sensitively and in accordance with policy and legislation.
• Experience of leading HR projects, developing practical solutions and supporting strategic or organisational change.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the judgement and credibility to advise senior leaders, managers and professional colleagues on sensitive and complex matters.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills, including using workforce information to inform decisions, improve services and manage competing priorities.

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world‑changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground‑breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

The Office of the Chief Digital and Information Officer provides shared professional services for the University's digital and information services, supporting areas including IT Services, digital governance, cyber security, research computing and data. Its HR, finance, communications and administration teams help these services operate effectively and evolve in support of the University's research and education mission, bringing together expertise across a complex and developing digital environment.

What We Offer Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full‑pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full‑pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
• A Rental Deposit Loan Scheme for eligible new employees to access an interest‑free loan to help cover the cost of a rental deposit in Oxford.