At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR services, manage queries, and assist with performance and absence management.
- Company: Join South Thames Colleges Group, a leading provider of post-16 education in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, wellbeing leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development across multiple college sites.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students and staff while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR administration and strong communication skills are essential.
Here at South Thames Colleges Group, we are seeking a Human Resources Adviser to support the delivery of the HR service to staff and managers. You will contribute to the delivery of core HR services, such as absence management, induction, performance management and organisational change and perform administrative duties in support of the HR function and the processes associated with the delivery of the service across the Directorate.
You will undertake the day-to-day work of the HR Directorate, provide information to staff and act as a point of contact in respect of HR related queries, ensuring that the HR team provides an excellent and timely service to staff. Providing advice and guidance to managers and staff on HR related matters, ensuring appropriate consideration of policies and procedures, and relevant case law and legislation.
As our Human Resources Advisor, you will have experience of working in an HR administration or generalist adviser role. With excellent communication, interpersonal and prioritisation skills, you will be able to work individually and as part of a team with a positive “can-do” attitude. Well-organised and able to adhere to systems and procedures, you will be proficient in the use of IT at Level 2/Intermediate level including Word, Excel, Databases and Outlook, with the ability to create reports.
This post will predominantly be based at Merton College, but you may be required to work from all STCG sites.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees’ physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London’s largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students’ success at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.
Human Resources Adviser (Operations) employer: Merton College
At South Thames Colleges Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and well-being of our staff. With a generous benefits package including 27 days of annual leave, additional Wellbeing leave, and a strong pension scheme, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee health. Located at Merton College, our commitment to equality and community engagement makes us an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Adviser (Operations)
✨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 Merton College!
✨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 Merton College.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Adviser (Operations)
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 Merton College. 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 Merton College 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 Merton College. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Merton College'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 Merton College
✨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 Merton College.
✨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 Merton College 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 Merton College and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
