Deputy Head of Human Resources

Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire

About the Company

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/ is located in an expanding science and innovation park in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research.  The MLC is an excellent place to further develop your career with a range of training and development opportunities.

About the Role

We are looking for a Deputy Head of Human Resources (HR) to join our team to oversee and deliver a professional and proactive HR service to the management team and staff at the MLC, as well as at our related units, the Centre for Macaques (CFM), the Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH) and the Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA).  This will include involvement in organisational matters, people-related issues and casework.  It is a hands-on role, providing extensive HR advice and problem solving across the full range of HR-related activities.  The post-holder will undertake a wide range of HR operational tasks and will manage the day-to-day running of the HR team.

We are looking for a motivated, hands-on and positive individual with a can-do attitude.

Summary of Main Responsibilities – Job Description attached. 

• To provide a professional HR service to the units of the MLC at Harwell, which include the CFM, RCaH and NATA. Develop a thorough understanding of local HR needs.  Actively work at developing strong and positive working relationships with managers and staff and provide a clear role model for the organisation.  Provide pro-active specialist advice and support, drawing on a sound knowledge of employment law and MRC-UKRI HR Policies, demonstrating a flexible, risk-based approach. 
• To ensure that the units’ HR operations will run smoothly and effectively to deliver maximum value to the organisation.

About You

If you are an HR professional with a proven track record of strategic HR management, with excellent communication skills, and you thrive in a challenging business environment, creating impact where you can encourage change, then this role is for you. You will have: 

• CIPD qualification
• Degree level or demonstrable equivalent work-place experience
• Proven experience as an HR Generalist at HR Manager / HRBP level (3 years+)
• Line Manager experience
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of general human resources policies and procedures
• Good knowledge of employment law
• Managed employee relations casework, including absence management, disciplinary and grievances etc.
• Outstanding knowledge of MS Office; MS Excel, HRIS systems will be a plus
• Aptitude in problem-solving
• High attention to detail
• Presentation skills, to be able to develop and deliver workshops
• Desire to work as a team, with a results-driven approach
• Exposure of working within a unionised environment

Benefits

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits, from a defined-benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (we offer a generous allowance of 30 days pro rata per year), access to employee shopping/travel discounts and a salary sacrifice cycle-to-work scheme.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of a world-class medical research organisation.

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all.  Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement based on their skills, aptitudes and abilities.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take on this exciting role and be part of a team, we would love to hear from you.  For full details and to apply please click on the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date for applications is 6^th October 2024.