HR Manager

Location: Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ

About the role 

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the HR team in delivering a responsive and professional HR service as we support the department’s operational needs, and to provide advice and guidance to senior colleagues across the full HR lifecycle. 

This role presents an ideal opportunity to join a thriving academic department. The HR Manager will work closely with the HR Team Leader to lead and manage a team of 6 staff in the coordination and administration of all activities related to the attraction and retention of the very highest calibre of staff into support, research and academic roles. 

You will be an experienced, knowledgeable and motivational leader, who will be accountable for the delivery of high quality and responsive support for departmental customers. You will have sound judgement under pressure, be able to think laterally and creatively, and have the intellectual capacity and strength of character to take important, complex, and sometimes difficult decisions. 

About you 

You will have proven experience of leading and managing employees in an operational HR function in an academic (or closely-related) environment, including their ongoing development, and have significant experience of developing and managing HR processes to deliver an efficient, customer centred and audit proof HR function. 

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate, create excellent stakeholder relationships, and work collaboratively within a successful team and with a variety of people. 

Experience of managing employee relations case work within organisational procedures. 

Hold sound knowledge and experience of the application of UK employment law, best practice and current thinking in HR management including in relation to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.

Experience of implementing change in a complex environment with a flexible and optimistic approach to the management of change, ever-fluctuating demands and challenging situations.

You will hold CIPD (level 5 or above).

HR experience within the NHS is desirable but not essential

Application Process 

You will be required to upload a supporting statement (setting out how you meet the selection criteria), a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 9th January 2026.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

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