HR Manager

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The HR Manager provides hands‑on, operational HR support across academic and professional services teams, ensuring people processes are fair, compliant, and effective.

The role supports managers across recruitment, employee relations, onboarding, payroll coordination, and policy application, helping deliver a positive employee experience and inclusive workplace culture. Working closely with senior leaders, the postholder ensures HR practices are consistent, legally compliant, and aligned with organisational values and growth plans.

• We value the student experience and student support
• We promote inclusivity, diversity and equity
• We work with innovation
• We behave with respect
• We expect integrity‑led professional behaviour
• We foster environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

The post‑holder will report directly to the Head of HR. The Provost of the College acts as Executive Lead for the role and will work collaboratively with the Head of HR, including providing interim line‑management oversight during periods of Head of HR absence.

• Support the Head of HR with providing up‑to‑date and consistent HR advice and guidance to Board of Directors, Executive Board and Heads of Departments.
• Support employee relations cases including sickness absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, and probation.

• Oversee recruitment for academic and professional services roles.
• Ensure compliance with right‑to‑work checks, fixed‑term contract regulations, and equality legislation.
• Oversee onboarding for new colleagues, including probation and mentoring arrangements.

• Support the Head of HR with maintenance of HR policies aligned with HE governance structures.
• Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and internal regulatory frameworks.
• Assist with audits, equality reporting, and sector benchmarking.

• Support equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Contribute to staff engagement and wellbeing programmes.
• Promote positive employee relations in a unionised environment.

• Ensure that monthly payroll is run accurately and on time.
• Liaise with Line Managers regarding overtime and timesheet anomalies.