At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR functions and manage office operations for a mission-driven charity.
- Company: Friends International, dedicated to supporting international students in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive, faith-based environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education, HR experience, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 31800 - 32000 £ per year.
Friends International (FI) is an evangelical mission agency dedicated to encouraging and equipping churches and Christian student groups to reach out to the approximately one million international students in the UK and Ireland. We currently have 80 staff working in 35 university towns and cities in the UK and Ireland.
From July 2026, we will be relocating our registered office (‘Support Centre’) to CMS House, Oxford. We are seeking a People and Office Manager to lead and develop the People (HR) function and manage the office. Reporting to the National Director, you will be based in our Oxford office, supervising an Office Administrator and working remotely with other Support Centre functions (Communications, Finance, Fundraising and Operations), who will be mainly home-based.
As a primary contact point for the charity, you will model and reflect the Christian ethos, mission, vision and values of FI in all aspects of the role, and be able to explain them to others, as well as understanding the qualities needed in job applicants. There is, therefore, an occupational requirement for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in line with our ethos and statement of faith.
Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role.
Essential Qualities/Experience- Educated to degree level or its equivalent with good office skills and a high level of IT literacy
- Ability to build and maintain healthy relationships in a diverse organisation
- Ability to develop and implement projects
- Experience in a generalist people (HR) role, ideally in a faith-based charity
- Good understanding of current employment law and HR best practice
- Excellent communications skills (written and verbal)
- Administration skills – excellent writing and organisation skills
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
- A commitment to intercultural mission and an appreciation of the value of international student ministry
- CIPD qualified / part-qualified (level 5)
- Experience in a UK visa sponsorship management role
- Intercultural mission experience
Full-time (35 hours per week)
SalaryIn the range £37,860 - £38,400 p.a. determined on experience and qualifications. It is hoped that the successful candidate will be able to raise around 10% personal support.
BenefitsSome of the benefits we offer include:
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- 10.5% non-contributory employer pension scheme.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support and advice.
Church Mission Society, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ with some UK travel.
Closing DateClosing Date: 09.30 on Thursday 19th February 2026, with interviews in Oxford in late February.
People and Office Manager in Oxford employer: Friends-International
Contact Detail:
Friends-International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Office Manager in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those involved with international student ministries. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Friends International's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their ethos, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires excellent verbal and written abilities, consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Friends International.
We think you need these skills to ace People and Office Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of Friends International shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing why this position excites you!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the People and Office Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in HR and office management, and don’t forget to mention any work you've done in faith-based organisations. We love seeing how your background fits our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your sentences concise. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends-International
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Friends International's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal beliefs align with their Christian ethos and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your HR Skills
Since this role involves leading the People function, be ready to share specific examples of your experience in HR. Highlight any projects you've implemented or challenges you've overcome, especially in a faith-based context.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
This position requires strong interpersonal skills. Think of instances where you've successfully built relationships in diverse environments. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster a positive office culture at Friends International.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Consider potential HR scenarios relevant to a charity setting and think through how you would handle them, particularly in relation to employment law and best practices.