HR Manager (two-year fixed term, full/part-time, flexible working/job share)

Pembroke College Oxford is looking to appoint an HR Manager to help develop its people strategy and improve its HR processes and practice so that it can better deliver on its strategy. This is an exciting role with an opportunity to make a difference to an ambitious and forward-looking Oxford College, whilst working in a supportive and friendly team.

Reporting to the Bursar, the HR Manager will be responsible for improving HR processes and practice in the College, enabling the College to better deliver on its ambitious strategy.

During a period of two years, the HR Manager will:

• Review and update the College’s HR policies, systems and processes for academic and non-academic staff
• Set up a centralised HR data management system
• Provide HR advice, as required, to the Committees of the Governing Body, the Master, the College Officers and staff
• Implement projects and initiatives to improve HR practices.

The post holder will work closely with the Bursars’ PA, the Bursar, Home Bursar and Academic Director and will play a key role in representing the College in the Oxford HR community. They will collaborate widely both within the college and across the University.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

Review and update the College’s HR policies, systems and processes for academic and non-academic staff:

• Review the College’s HR policies and procedures and update the Staff Handbooks
• Ensure that all academic and non-academic contracts are up-to-date and compliant with employment legislation
• Review and confirm the employment status of all advisers and contractors to the college.

Set up an efficient, effective and centralised HR data management system which brings together academic and non-academic staff data:

• Implement and oversee the smooth running of an HR data management system which links, where desirable and feasible, with other systems in the College
• Establish processes for record-keeping and document retention in line with good practice and GDPR
• Review and update the processes for authorising payroll, in collaboration with the finance team.

Provide HR advice and support to the Governing Body, the Master, the College Officers and College staff:

• Advise the Committees of the Governing Body, the Master and the College Officers on significant HR issues, liaising with external lawyers and advisors as required
• Provide confidential advice to the Officers and to academic and non-academic staff on HR issues as they arise, including in the areas of maternity/paternity leave and pay, grievance and disciplinary procedures, parental leave and flexible working arrangements
• Support end to end recruitment for both academic and non-academic staff, managing the applicant database in line with GDPR requirements and any visa requirements
• Provide equal opportunities monitoring statistics and other relevant HR data to inform decision making and to assist the College’s Governing Body and governance committees.

Implement HR projects and initiatives and represent the College in the Oxford HR community:

• Review support staff performance management, remuneration and progression structures, and work with the College Officers and managers to implement any agreed changes
• Sit on the College’s Welfare Committee and propose policies and procedures to improve staff well-being and promote equality, diversity and inclusion
• Represent the College in the Oxford HR community and play a key role in relevant College and University committees and meetings.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for an outstanding and motivated candidate with a strong track record who has:

• Significant relevant experience, preferably in an Oxford College or a similar complex environment
• A good undergraduate degree, and a CIPD qualification or other appropriate professional qualification
• A demonstrated ability to successfully introduce new HR policies and practices across an organisation
• Experience of successfully implementing and using HR databases and systems to promote efficiency and effectiveness
• Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to develop relationships with stakeholders at all levels and to deal with sensitive and confidential matters
• An analytical mind with an ability to be creative and solve problems
• A “can do” attitude and a willingness to take initiative.

Further Details

The position is full time or part-time (at least three days a weeks); flexible working hours, a job share and/or extended holiday periods will be considered.