Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our HR team to support recruitment, contracts, and staff queries in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Be part of the University of Cambridge, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, with home working available most days and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on HR experience and the chance to make a real impact in a vibrant academic setting.
- Qualifications: Relevant administrative experience and strong communication skills are essential; HR knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: This is a temporary position covering maternity leave for 12 months or until the post holder returns.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive HR Administrator to join the School of Arts and Humanities shared HR team, to provide a professional and efficient administrative service to faculties and research centres within the School. This vacancy is full time and fixed-term, to provide temporary Maternity Leave cover. Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a small team comprised of two HR Advisors, who together with the HR Administrator provide support to 11 institutions within the School. The team also works closely with the Central HR Business Partnering Team and the HR Administrator will be part of the School Office and wider HR teams.
The role-holder, working closely with the two HR Advisors, will provide a comprehensive HR service supporting staff recruitment, probation, end of contract procedures, leave and contract changes. The role-holder will also respond to a range of HR queries, advising on HR policy, procedure and best practice.
The role is busy and varied and requires good communication skills and the ability to handle a varied workload and competing demands whilst meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of attention to detail. The successful candidate will have relevant administrative experience, be able to deliver a high level of customer service, maintain complete confidentiality and have the ability to plan and prioritise their own workload. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential to interact with Faculty and Centre administrators, internal recruiters, central University HR, staff and applicants with different levels of seniority.
Experience of working within an HR Role and knowledge of University of Cambridge HR systems (including CHRIS, RAS and Web Recruitment) is desirable. Conversations about flexible working are encouraged at the University of Cambridge. Please feel free to discuss flexibility prior to applying or at interview if your application is successful. The role holder will be expected to work from the office in central Cambridge on a Tuesday and Wednesday each week, with home working welcome on the other days.
Temporary Cover: fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier. The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 29th June 2025 and interviews are planned for the week commencing 14th July, subject to change. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process or procedure, please contact Molly Carrick or Ruth Farley, at SAHHR@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference GA46192 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
HR Administrator [Temporary Cover] employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
SAHHR@admin.cam.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Administrator [Temporary Cover]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the HR policies and procedures specific to the University of Cambridge. Understanding their unique systems, like CHRIS and RAS, will give you an edge in discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former HR staff at the University. They can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to handle a busy workload. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed multiple tasks and met deadlines, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing thoughtful questions about the role and the team during the interview. This not only demonstrates your interest but also your proactive nature, which is key for an HR Administrator.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Administrator [Temporary Cover]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the HR Administrator position. Highlight key skills such as communication, attention to detail, and administrative experience in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in HR administration. Include specific examples of how you've handled HR queries, supported recruitment processes, or managed competing demands in previous roles.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in this temporary role and how your skills align with the needs of the School of Arts and Humanities. Mention your ability to maintain confidentiality and deliver excellent customer service.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions provided in the job posting. This includes quoting the reference number GA46192 in your application and ensuring all documents are submitted through the online system before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the HR Administrator position. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as supporting staff recruitment and handling HR queries. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in dealing with sensitive information or resolving conflicts, as this will show your ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The job involves managing a varied workload and meeting deadlines, so be ready to share how you prioritise tasks and stay organised. You could mention specific tools or methods you use to keep track of your responsibilities, which will illustrate your ability to handle competing demands.
✨Prepare Questions About Flexibility
Since the University encourages conversations about flexible working, think of questions you might want to ask regarding this topic. Showing that you're proactive about discussing work-life balance can reflect positively on your candidacy and demonstrate your interest in a supportive work environment.
