Part-time HR Manager (Learning & Development/ Organisational Development) in Reading

Part-time HR Manager (Organisational Development)– Reading Students’ Union

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire

Salary: £26,139.74 rata salary based on full time equivalent of £36,595.63

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part-time 25 hours per week spread over 3-4 days

Location: Office based with potential for ad hoc hybrid working (project dependent)

A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world.

The Role:

Are you passionate about organisational development? Do you thrive on innovation and impact? We’re looking for an Organisational Development specialist who will shape our continuous learning culture and align L&D initiatives with organisational goals. You’ll be part of our small but very busy team, where no two days are the same. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll lead the charge in supporting a diverse range of teams, including our commercial venues team, nursery staff, career staff, student‑staff, interns and apprentices, ensuring tailored L&D solutions.

What You’ll do:

• Strategic Planning & Development
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive L&D strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
  • Support organisational development initiatives and contribute to job design to ensure roles align with business needs and employee growth.
  • Develop the employer brand through learning initiatives and explore relevant accreditations (e.g., Investors in People, Great Place to Work) to enhance our reputation.
• Learning Program Design & Delivery
  • Conduct Training Needs Analysis to identify skills gaps and future development requirements.
  • Personally design and deliver training sessions, workshops, and learning interventions to meet organisational needs.
  • Design and deliver blended learning programs: e‑learning, workshops, webinars, on‑the‑job training.
  • Develop and deliver management and leadership development programmes to build strong future leaders.
  • Develop and deliver new starter induction programs and monitor probation periods to ensure the right support and development is in place during those crucial first months.
  • Work with and engage external training providers as needed.
  • Manage logistics of training sessions.
• Performance & Talent Management
  • Develop and manage performance appraisals, Personal Development Plans (PDPs), and individual training plans.
  • Provide performance coaching to managers and employees to enhance capability and drive high performance.
  • Facilitate talent development programs, including apprenticeship schemes, mentoring, succession planning and management training.
• Budget & Compliance
  • Approve training requests and book external training within budget constraints.
  • Manage the L&D budget in collaboration with the People Director; evaluate and engage third‑party providers ensuring ROI and compliance.
  • Ensure mandatory training compliance, including health & safety regulations.
• Change Management & Engagement
  • Support our change management initiatives by designing and delivering learning interventions that enable smooth transitions and adoption of new processes.
  • Lead internal communications and consultations related to learning and development, including staff surveys, feedback sessions, and engagement activities.

About You

Essential

• CIPD Level 5.
• Significant experience as an HR Manager/OD/L&D Manager
• You think strategically.
• Organised, adaptable, and ready to make things happen.
• You're an innovator.
• Excellent communicator.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to coach and mentor.
• You LOVE learning & development and organisational development
• Evidence of CPD.
• Proven experience in:
• Designing and delivering training programs (including management and leadership development).
• Developing induction programs and supporting probation processes.
• Performance management frameworks (training needs analysis, appraisals, PDPs, coaching, succession planning).
• Leading change management initiatives and employee engagement activities.
• Working with LMS platforms and digital learning tools.
• Working with external training providers.
• Creating processes—not just following them—driving innovation and efficiency.

Desirable

• Coaching qualification.
• CIPD Level 7.
• Degree in Human Resources.
• HR/L&D Consultancy experience.
• Relevant experience in small to medium sized organisations.
• Exposure to employer accreditation processes.

Why Join Us?

• Inclusive and supportive team culture
• Flexible working options
• 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
• Professional development opportunities
• Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.

Ready to make our People Strategy a reality? Apply today! Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.