HR Operations and Systems Specialist

University of Plymouth; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Bank holidays

Closure days

Job summary

University of Plymouth is seeking an experienced HR Systems Specialist to support and develop the HR and Payroll system. This part-time role (20.5 hours/week) includes on-site presence with remote work possible after training, and a focus on delivering enhancements and maintaining data quality.

You will design, configure, test and deploy system changes, providing expert administration and collaborating across HR and the wider University to improve processes and user experience.

Qualifications

• Experience with HR systems development, administration and support.
• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder communication skills.
• Proactive, collaborative, and customer-service oriented.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with HR and Payroll systems is a plus (MHR iTrent preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead on delivery and enhancement of HR system functionality.
• Design, configure, test and deploy system changes.
• Provide specialist system administration and technical support.
• Investigate and resolve complex system issues.
• Review and improve system processes and data quality.
• Support HR systems projects and change initiatives.
• Communicate upgrades, patches and new functionality to stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation and service delivery across HR operations.

Skills

HR systems

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Proactive

Tools

MHR iTrent

Job description

Do you have experience of HR systems development, administration and support? Are you passionate about improving systems and processes, enhancing user experience and delivering high-quality services?

About the role

We are seeking an experienced HR Systems Specialist to join our HR Operations team working 20.5 hours a week (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Although we can accommodate working from home for this role after a period of training, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the University's HR and Payroll system, ensuring they remain efficient, effective and responsive to business needs.

You will lead on the delivery and enhancement of system functionality, including the implementation of new modules, upgrades, patches and system developments. Working closely with colleagues across HR and the wider University, you will be responsible for the design, configuration, testing and deployment of system solutions that improve processes, enhance data quality and support an excellent user experience.

The role will involve:

• Leading the implementation of HR system developments, upgrades and enhancements.
• Designing, configuring, testing and deploying system changes and improvements.
• Providing specialist system administration and technical support.
• Investigating, resolving and escalating complex system issues where appropriate.
• Reviewing and improving system processes, controls and data quality.
• Supporting the delivery of HR systems projects and change initiatives.
• Managing and communicating system upgrades, patches and new functionality to stakeholders.
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automation and service delivery across HR operations.

What we're looking for:

Ideally, you will:

• Have experience of the MHR iTrent HR and Payroll system, although applications are welcomed from candidates with experience of other HR and Payroll systems
• Possess strong problem-solving skills, together with the ability to translate business requirements into effective system solutions
• Be a proactive and collaborative professional with excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service
• Be equally comfortable working independently or as part of a team
• Enjoy identifying opportunities for improvement and making a tangible contribution to the effectiveness of HR services.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to apply their systems expertise in a varied and rewarding role that combines technical knowledge, continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Thursday 8 October 2026

Our Offer

We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:

• Generous annual leave: 25* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*

*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract

£35,608 to £38,784 pro rata per annum - Grade 6