HR Manager

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave incl. holidays

Hybrid and flexible working

Pension scheme

Cycle loan scheme

Season ticket loans

Rental Deposit Loan Scheme

Social, cultural and sports clubs

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the shared HR service for the University's digital and information services. You will provide authoritative advice on complex people matters and drive continuous improvement in HR delivery.

The role focuses on operational excellence, policy implementation, and strategic people solutions within a large, research-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate HR qualification or CIPD membership.
• Experience leading HR operations across a large/complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR policies.
• Ability to advise senior leaders on sensitive people matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the shared HR service for the University's digital and information services.
• Provide authoritative advice on complex people matters and change management.
• Shape a high-quality HR service and support organisational development across the ICT function.

Skills

HR operations

Strategic advisory

People management

UK employment law

Communication

Education

Postgraduate HR qualification or CIPD membership

Job description

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.

Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy. 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

• 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.

About You

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 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 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 analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills, including using workforce information to inform decisions, improve services and manage competing priorities.

About the Role

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.

HR ManagerDigital and Information Services, Central OxfordShape a high‑quality HR service supporting around 460 colleagues across the University's digital and information services, providing trusted advice and leadership through continued organisational development and change. As HR Manager, you will lead a shared HR function, influence people strategy and manager capability, and help ensure that effective people practices support the University's evolving digital services.

Location: Dartington House, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD Salary: £49,119 - £58,265, with a discretionary range to £63,489 per annumContract: Full Time, Permanent

About Us

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