HR Operations and Systems Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Job summary

University of Plymouth is seeking an experienced HR Systems Specialist to join the HR Operations team. The role focuses on developing, maintaining and improving the HR and Payroll system, ensuring efficiency and high-quality service. You will lead on changes, upgrades and new functionality, collaborating across HR and the wider University.

The position offers 20.5 hours per week with some on-site requirement, and potential home‑working after training to support business needs.

Qualifications

• Experience of HR systems development, administration and support.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to translate requirements into system solutions.
• Proactive and collaborative with excellent communication and customer service.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with MHR iTrent HR and Payroll system preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of HR system developments, upgrades and enhancements.
• Design, configure, test and deploy system changes and improvements.
• Provide specialist system administration and technical support.
• Investigate, resolve and escalate complex system issues.
• Review and improve system processes, controls and data quality.
• Support delivery of 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 development

Systems administration

Customer service

Communication

Independent teamwork

Tools

MHR iTrent

Job description

HR Operations and Systems Specialist

Location: Plymouth 08/10/2026

Job reference B1388

Attachments B1388 Job Description.pdf

Salary £35,608 - £38,784 pro rata per annum

Contractual hours 20.72

Basis PR Permanent Parttime All Year

Interview date Tuesday 27 October 2026

Job category/type Professional/Support Services

Date posted 25/09/2026

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.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Rebecca Leach-Barry: by email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 01752 588 237

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.

Our Offer

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

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*
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages