HR Service Centre Team Manager

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University seeks a proactive HR professional to lead the HR Service Centre on a fixed-term maternity cover within HR Operations in the People & Organisational Development Directorate. The role provides strategic and operational leadership to deliver an efficient, responsive HR service across Faculties and Professional Services.

You will develop and motivate a diverse HR team, drive continuous improvement, and work with senior stakeholders across the university to enhance

Qualifications

• Experience leading HR service centre operations.
• Knowledge of HR lifecycle, recruitment, onboarding and payroll processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the HR Service Centre.
• Develop and motivate a diverse HR team and drive service excellence.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to improve HR processes and system usage.

Skills

HR leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Payroll processes

Tools

Oracle HCM

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced HR professional to lead our HR Service Centre team on a fixed-term basis, as a maternity leave cover, within HR Operations in the People & Organisational Development (P&OD) Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a customer-focused HR Service Centre that supports colleagues across the University.

This is a pivotal role where you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the HR Service Centre, ensuring the delivery of an efficient, responsive and high-quality HR service to Faculties and Professional Services. You will lead, develop and motivate a diverse HR team, embedding a culture of service excellence, continuous improvement and customer focus.

Working with senior stakeholders across the University, HR colleagues, Finance and IT teams, you will play a key role in enhancing HR processes, improving service delivery and supporting the effective use of Oracle HCM and associated systems.

As a member of the People and Organisational Development Extended Leadership Team, you will contribute to wider strategic initiatives and organisational priorities.

We are looking for a proactive leader with strong HR expertise of the full employee lifecycle and substantial knowledge and experience of operational HR and compliance, including recruitment, onboarding, contractual changes and payroll processes.

You will also have a proven track record in: Embedding a culture of service excellence and driving continuous improvement. Leading teams. Managing complex HR matters.

Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with the ability to manage HR transactional services ensuring optimal performance against key performance indicators.

Interview Dates

There will be a 2-stage interview process for this position, interviews will be held on the following dates: First stage - 24th September 2026. Second stage - 28th September 2026. We would encourage candidates to make note of these dates in the event that you are successfully shortlisted.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity.

We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager.

If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.