Interim HR Manager (6 Months Secondment Cover)

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Oxford is seeking an Interim HR Manager for Estates Services. This role requires substantial experience in HR management and a CIPD qualification. The successful candidate will oversee HR operations supporting the university's research and teaching mission, managing a dedicated team of professionals to deliver high-quality service. Flexible working options and generous benefits, including a comprehensive leave scheme, are offered.

Benefits

38 days of annual leave

Generous family leave schemes

Flexible working conditions

Contributory pension scheme

Commuting options

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in HR management in a large organization.
• Proven ability to lead and develop an HR team.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and its application.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR function for Estates Services.
• Provide day-to-day HR support and guidance.
• Manage HR professionals delivering high-quality service.
• Drive staff development programs and handle complex cases.

Skills

Managing HR operations

Knowledge of UK employment law

Excellent communication skills

Leadership and team development

Education

CIPD qualification (graduate level or above)

Job description

Overview

As Interim HR Manager for Estates Services, you will lead the HR function. Reporting to the Head of Business Administration, you will oversee a team of HR professionals delivering a responsive, high-quality HR service across performance, employee relations, recruitment and staff wellbeing. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers, providing guidance on HR policy, employment law, and change management. You will manage a team of HR staff, providing day-to-day support and guidance. This is a role where no two days are the same: you may be advising on complex employee relations cases, or driving initiatives such as staff development programmes and process improvement. You will be at the centre of people management in a department that directly supports Oxford\'s world-class research and teaching mission.

• A CIPD qualification (graduate level or above), or equivalent experience.
• Substantial experience of managing HR operations in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven ability to lead and develop an HR team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR function for Estates Services, supporting the University\'s research and teaching mission.
• Provide day-to-day HR support and guidance to staff and managers; act as a trusted advisor on HR policy, employment law and change management.
• Manage a team of HR professionals delivering a high-quality service across performance, employee relations, recruitment and staff wellbeing.
• Drive initiatives such as staff development programmes and process improvement; handle complex employee relations cases as required.

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.