At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR projects, enhance staff engagement, and develop training programmes.
- Company: Join a friendly college with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth potential and a focus on inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff wellbeing and development in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or equivalent, strong communication skills, and HR project management experience.
A fixed term opportunity has arisen to join the College’s small but friendly Human Resources department for an Interim HR Manager. This opportunity has been created to enable the team to deliver critical people related projects and activities which support the college’s team members in the delivery of our strategic aims. Reporting to the Director of People, the key purpose of the role will be to provide HR related project delivery support to the Director of People, managing and working on the delivery of key change projects to HR practices, managing and delivery of staff engagement, training and development and talent management related business as usual. Also to provide employee relations advice and guidance to College managers and staff.
The main responsibilities for the role holder will be:
- Staff Engagement: Lead the SEC (Staff Engagement Committee) in the development, launch of the College’s 12 month Wellbeing Calendar of activities to budget for 2027. Lead also in delivery of the Wellbeing Calendar for 2026. Manage and fully engage in monthly Staff Engagement Committee meetings. Ensuring HR is represented, the committee has good representation levels and including chairing on a rota basis with members, researching topics and taking forward initiatives and ensuring resourced. Manage set up, chair quarterly staff award panels and communicate winners. Review scheme with SEC as needed.
- College Onboarding and Probations: Working with the HR team and other relevant stakeholders and departments to develop the College’s Onboarding (including Induction, to include College, Department, Job related, Safety, IT, Compliance, values and EDI modules together with an opportunity for joiners to meet face to face and network). Also develop clear guides for managers around who covers what and a pack to support delivery and launch once agreed.
- Training and Personal Development and Policy Review: Develop and deliver training to managers on all aspects of recruitment and review recruitment to ensure inclusivity and meeting TIDEMARK standards. Working with HR Officer to develop College annual training plan for 2027 including sourcing of external solutions and in house delivery of training to meet College training needs and maximise budget. Explore, recommend and develop career development opportunities for staff.
- HR Advice and Processing Cover and Oversight: Manage and advise on complex HR cases and provide advice and guidance to HR Officer in Director of People’s absence as and when required. Oversee forecasting/gathering ratings and increments at end of year and costing for budgets. Manage and implement roll over and change to annual leave and toil entitlements for staff for 2027. Cover for the HR Officer of HR processing activities as and when required.
To be considered for the role candidates will need to be/have:
- CIPD qualified or other relevant qualifications – level 5 upwards or equivalent experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Understanding of effective learning, training and personal development concepts, appraisals, onboarding principles and best practice.
- Experience in managing and delivering HR review projects
- Ability to prioritise, balance long and short term priorities, work on own initiative and work to deadlines.
- Good coaching, stakeholder engagement skills.
- Good level of attention to detail, especially when dealing with HR system design and migration
- Good Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint Skills
- Proven experience in providing excellent customer service, influencing, coaching others.
- Experience of providing advice and guidance on complex ER HR issues.
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an up to date CV along with a brief covering letter that sets out the skills and experience you consider would make you suitable for this position, no later than 24th June 2026. First interviews will take place on 29th June or 1st July 2026 at our offices in Craven Street, second interviews will take place on 6th July 2026 on TEAMS.
Additional Information: Typical working hours at the College are 9 am to 5 pm (7 hours, excluding lunch). We operate a flexible working window from 8 am to 6 pm where you can vary your start and end time (working a 7 hour day). We also offer hybrid working (a mixture of home and office working). Typically College staff will work around 20 - 40% of their time at the workplace (whether this is the office at Craven St, or a face to face meeting, event at another business related site or organisation) per week.
Equality and Inclusion: The College is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to avoiding discrimination. We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings to the organisation. In support of this we follow a fair recruitment process in which shortlisting and other recruitment decisions are made on the basis of skills, competencies and experience demonstrated in the application and interview process. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require a reasonable adjustment to be made to support your application due to a disability or other condition please let us know.
Interim HR Manager employer: The College of Optometrists
Join our small but friendly Human Resources department at the College, where we prioritise employee wellbeing and engagement through innovative projects like our Wellbeing Calendar. With a commitment to professional development and a flexible hybrid working model, we offer a supportive environment that fosters growth and inclusivity, making it an excellent place for HR professionals to thrive.
Contact Details:
The College of Optometrists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim HR Manager
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at The College of Optometrists and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim HR Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at The College of Optometrists. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The College of Optometrists
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at The College of Optometrists, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that The College of Optometrists uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at The College of Optometrists.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at The College of Optometrists.
