Senior HR Manager

Location: North Hinksey

Senior HR Manager

Are you an experienced HR professional ready to lead a dynamic university department's HR services? As a Senior HR Manager, you will shape and deliver a proactive, solutions-oriented HR function that supports strategic objectives and enhances people management across the department.

This role offers the chance to make a significant impact within a vibrant research-driven environment. You will oversee HR operations, lead a small team, and act as a trusted adviser to senior colleagues, ensuring high-quality support throughout the full HR lifecycle. If you are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture and thrive on strategic and practical HR delivery, this is your opportunity for professional growth.

Senior HR Manager Responsibilities

This position will involve, but will not be limited to:

Managing all HR operations, including employee relations, recruitment, and policy implementation, to meet the department's strategic needs.
Providing expert advice and guidance to senior colleagues and line managers on complex employee relations cases, HR policies, and employment law.
Leading and developing the HR team, promoting continuous improvement, and motivating staff to deliver best practice HR services.
Driving HR projects, such as policy development and streamlining HR systems, to enhance departmental efficiency.
Facilitating training and coaching to strengthen managers' people management skills and confidence.
Representing the department at University HR networks and working groups to share best practice and influence HR developments.
Analysing HR data to inform decisions, support operational planning, and contribute to departmental strategy.
Senior HR Manager Rewards

Competitive salary (Grade 8: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum, including Oxford weighting)
Permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours per week), with flexible options available
Work-life balance support, including up to 40% remote working post-establishment
Opportunities to shape high-level HR policies in a leading academic environment
Engagement with a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive community
Access to University learning and development resources to support your career progression
The chance to contribute to research excellence and long-term departmental success
The Company

Our client is an innovative and research-intensive department dedicated to advancing knowledge across psychological and biological sciences. Recognised internationally for its contribution to science, the department fosters a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and excellence. It values diversity, inclusivity, and a commitment to tackling global challenges, creating an inspiring environment for staff at all levels to develop their careers and make an impact.

Senior HR Manager Experience Essentials

Degree or equivalent qualification with CIPD Graduate level or above
Proven experience managing HR operations within a complex organisation, preferably within academia or higher education
In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and employment relations casework

Experience of managing or supporting employee relations issues confidently and discreetly
Familiarity with HR systems (experience of People XD is highly desirable)
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to analyse data and develop strategic insights
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coach and motivate managers
Experience working within the University of Oxford or similar research environment is essential
Location

This role is based within the department's new state-of-the-art facility in central Oxford, easily accessible by various transport links. However, there is no parking and you are require on site 60% of your contract.

Action

If you would like to find out more about this excellent opportunity, then please apply online today! We will review and respond to all applications.

Allen Associates is a leading recruitment company in Oxfordshire recruiting for Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and PA/Administrative roles. Allen Associates operates as an Employment Agency for permanent recruitment and an Employment Business for temporary recruitment. For more information on current vacancies please visit (url removed) and follow us on Linked In