Assistant Director of Human Resources - Services and Systems

FTE: 1 FTE working 37 hours per week

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: Bishops Square, Hatfield.                                           

We have an exciting opportunity within the Human Resources team to recruit an Assistant Director of Human Resources - Services and Systems. This role plays a critical role in ensuring the seamless operation of a high-quality, professional, and compliant HR service for the University and its subsidiary companies. 

Main duties and responsibilities

As a member of the HR Lead Team, this role supports the Director of Human Resources by representing the department at meetings and events both within and outside the University. It contributes to strategic planning and business development, ensuring alignment with institutional targets. Responsibilities include preparing policy documents, reports and statistical analyses for senior governance committees, facilitating strong communication between HR and its stakeholders, and leading initiatives that reflect HR best practices and evolving legislation. With the launch of our new HR system earlier this year we aim to stay on track with supporting the best possible employee experience. 

You will be an experienced HR leader who will help drive strategic development across compliance, recruitment, global mobility, HRIS, and employee support. This role oversees statutory and EDI reporting, system enhancements, international recruitment, and employment practices, ensuring high-quality service delivery and legal compliance. You’ll collaborate with senior stakeholders to shape our Employer Brand, support organisational change, and champion inclusive practices while delivering data-driven insights and practical solutions across the University. 

Skills and experience required

The successful candidate will have broad general HR experience including knowledge of employment compliance, recruitment and onboarding, HR information management, HR systems as well as experience of working with recognised Trade Unions.

We’re looking for a candidate with demonstrable people management skills and someone who can bring proven expertise in negotiation and persuasion. It is essential that you can think and operate at a strategic level.

Qualifications required

You should hold a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area such as Human Resource Management, or significant proven professional work experience. It is also essential that you hold Chartered CIPD membership.

If you would like to be a part of our great community and think you have the expertise we are seeking, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please see attached candidate pack for further information.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Chizoma Okaro, Director of HR via email c.okaro@herts.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 21 September 2025 

Interview Date: 16 October 2025

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