HR Service Centre Team Manager

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced HR professional to lead our HR Service Centre team on a fixed-term basis, as a maternity leave cover, within HR Operations in the People & Organisational Development (P&OD) Directorate.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a customer-focused HR Service Centre that supports colleagues across the University.

This is a pivotal role where you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the HR Service Centre, ensuring the delivery of an efficient, responsive and high-quality HR service to Faculties and Professional Services. You will lead, develop and motivate a diverse HR team, embedding a culture of service excellence, continuous improvement and customer focus.

Working with senior stakeholders across the University, HR colleagues, Finance and IT teams, you will play a key role in enhancing HR processes, improving service delivery and supporting the effective use of Oracle HCM and associated systems. As a member of the People and Organisational Development Extended Leadership Team, you will contribute to wider strategic initiatives and organisational priorities.

We are looking for a proactive leader with strong HR expertise of the full employee lifecycle and substantial knowledge and experience of operational HR and compliance, including recruitment, onboarding, contractual changes and payroll processes. You will also have a proven track record in:

• Embedding a culture of service excellence and driving continuous improvement.
• Leading teams.
• Managing complex HR matters.

Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with the ability to manage HR transactional services ensuring optimal performance against key performance indicators.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) that clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the Job Description (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button). 

Use your cover letter to provide specific examples of your skills and experience relevant to the role - Please note, applications without a cover letter may not be considered at shortlisting stage.

Interview Dates

There will be a 2-stage interview process for this position, interviews will be held on the following dates:

First stage - 24th September 2026.

Second stage - 28th September 2026.

We would encourage candidates to make note of these dates in the event that you are successfully shortlisted.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.