Human Resources Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Family leave schemes (maternity/adopt,

Hybrid and flexible working

Cycle loan / transport options

Social clubs & community

Rental Deposit Loan Scheme

Job summary

University of Oxford seeks an HR Manager to lead the shared HR service for digital and information services, providing expert guidance across the employment lifecycle and complex ER matters. You will shape people strategy, develop the HR team, and align processes with the University's evolving digital services.

You will work with senior leaders to translate priorities into practical people plans, manage risk, and promote an inclusive, high‑performing culture.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent with a postgraduate HR qualification (CIPD preferred).
• Proven HR operations experience across the employment lifecycle in a large org.
• Experience leading and developing an HR team with coaching and capability building.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, policies and risk management.
• Extensive experience handling complex employee relations and performance cases.
• Experience leading HR projects and supporting strategic change initiatives.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and organisational abilities using workforce data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the shared HR service for the University's digital and information services.
• Develop and manage the HR team, delivering high-quality, compliant service.
• Provide expert guidance across the employment lifecycle and ER matters.
• Drive organisational change projects and people-related initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to translate priorities into practical plans.

Skills

HR operations

Employee relations

People leadership

Policy advising

Stakeholder management

Education

Postgraduate HR qualification

CIPD membership

Job description

Shape 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 annum

Contract: 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 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.

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.
• 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 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. 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.

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 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.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 26th October 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place during the weeks commencing 9th or 16th November 2026, and will be held face‑to‑face.