At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex employee relations and support staff wellbeing in a dynamic university environment.
- Company: Join Oxford Brookes University, a forward-thinking institution committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to great perks like gym discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact on staff experiences.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience in complex employee relations required.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 51753 £ per year.
£47,389 rising annually to £51,753
Full Time, Permanent - Professional Staff
Contract Type: 37 Hours, Monday to Friday
Location: Hybrid (Typically one day per week on our Headington Campus, Oxford, with additional campus attendance as required)
Shape the Future of Our People
At Oxford Brookes University, we are guided by an inspiring ambition: our Roadmap to 2035. We are on a journey to become a first choice institution, known for world class education and an exceptional, inclusive staff experience. Our People Directorate is a passionate, collaborative, and highly engaging team. Inclusion is woven into our culture; we proudly hold the Athena Swan Bronze award and the Race Equality Charter mark. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
The Role
This is not a light generalist role; we need a resilient professional with a deep, proven background in complex Employee Relations (ER). Reporting to the Senior People Manager, you will act as a trusted partner and advisor to a designated portfolio of faculties and directorates. You will step into a busy, supportive environment where your primary focus is guiding leaders through critical case management, policy interpretation, and structural change. While you will collaborate with our specialist Resourcing and L&D partners on wider initiatives, robust ER and case management expertise is the non‑negotiable core of this role.
What your week will look like
As a HR Manager, your days will be varied and deeply collaborative. You will work closely with your assigned faculties and directorates, building strong relationships so that managers naturally turn to you as their first point of contact for local HR and employment law advice. The critical core of your role will see you leading on complex case management. You will be the steady hand coaching line managers through intricate disciplinary, grievance, and performance cases, expertly balancing empathy for the individual with institutional risk management. Alongside this, you will champion staff wellbeing, working proactively with managers to design supportive pathways back to work, coordinate Occupational Health referrals, and lead on practical stress risk assessments. Your influence will also extend into the future design of the university. You will partner with senior leaders to navigate organisational change, guiding them through restructures and formal consultations, whilst utilising the HERA framework for job evaluations. You will also look at the bigger picture, collaborating with our Policy Manager to research and draft progressive new HR policies that align with our 2035 vision. Finally, you will upskill your managers through practical briefings on HR processes, and work side by side with our Resourcing Partner to offer localised advice on recruitment strategies when required.
What skills do I need?
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7, or CIPD Level 5 backed by equivalent extensive knowledge and practical experience.
- Core ER & Casework Expertise: A proven track record of managing substantial, complex Employee Relations issues (disciplinaries, grievances, and performance) within a large, multi‑layered organisation.
- Trade Union Relations: Proven experience of building, developing, and maintaining effective working relationships with Trade Unions within a formal framework.
- Structural & Recruitment Advisory: Experience of advising line managers on staff structures, or collaborating on localised recruitment and selection procedures.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to quickly build trust, coach line managers, and influence Senior Leadership teams.
- Training Delivery: Practical experience in delivering clear, engaging briefings or training sessions on HR policies and processes.
- Job Evaluation Experience: Experience with job evaluation processes and frameworks, such as HERA.
- Higher Education Environment: Experience operating within a Higher Education environment.
Flexibility & Benefits
We believe in true flexibility. Our hybrid model is designed around genuine balance: you will typically spend one day per week connecting with the team on our vibrant Headington Campus and four days working from home, though occasional additional campus attendance may be required depending on workload.
Generous Leave: Minimum of 25 days holiday, plus 8 Bank Holidays and university concessionary days.
Excellent Pension: Competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% employer contribution rate.
Perks: Access to a student discount scheme (TOTUM), employee assistance programmes, discounted gym facilities, and a variety of staff diversity networks.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete our online application form by clicking the Apply for Job button below. Within the supporting documents section, you will need to upload: A supporting statement providing clear evidence of how your experience meets both the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Senior HR People Operations, Rachel Ogilvie, at macmailbox@brookes.ac.uk
HR Manager in Oxford employer: Corehr
Oxford Brookes University is an exceptional employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a hybrid working model, generous leave entitlements, and a strong focus on collaboration and development, staff are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the university's ambitious vision for 2035.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Oxford
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Corehr!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Corehr.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Corehr. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Corehr and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Corehr. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Corehr's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Corehr.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Corehr will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Corehr and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
