At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch administrative support and guidance in HR processes for university colleagues.
- Company: Join The Open University, a leader in accessible education and digital innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and free OU study opportunities.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a dynamic and collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with HR systems required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the People Services Assistant role at The Open University. This role will sit within the customer-facing People Services (HR) Hub, part of the University’s People Services function. Our purpose is to deliver the operational People Services support, guidance and first line advice for OU colleagues with a focus on delivering value, efficiency, and a positive customer experience.
Within this role, you will be focused on delivering first stage administrative support and process guidance on a range of policies and procedures covering the full employee lifecycle. You will collaborate with your Hub colleagues to ensure the effective delivery of a high-quality service to our customers across the University.
Key Responsibilities:
- Respond to emails and telephone calls to provide professional, confidential, high-quality process advice and guidance to university colleagues across the full employee lifecycle and range of People policies.
- Provide high quality administrative support on a range of people lifecycle processes, including general maintenance and updating of People Services systems; updating employee records, preparing and issuing contractual paperwork; updating of trackers/spreadsheets, and other administrative work as required.
- Proactively identify specialist guidance requirements through service interactions and effectively escalate to the appropriate team within People Services, in line with the agreed service framework.
- Work as a team to achieve agreed service levels and key performance indicators.
- Provide support to colleagues in navigating the People Services intranet pages and promoting self service.
- Work collaboratively with the People Services Systems Team to resolve People Services system based issues and ensure that it remains up to date with accurate data.
- Collaborate on continuous service improvements through identifying and sharing gaps within process guidance and making recommendations to People Services Team Managers as appropriate.
- Take personal responsibility in continually developing skills and knowledge to maintain and improve personal performance in the spirit of continuous improvement.
About You:
- Strong administrative experience with an understanding of data protection and sensitive data handling protocols.
- Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently but also as part of a team, with a willingness to collaborate with and support colleagues.
- Strong organisation and time management skills with the ability to deal with high volume work.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience of working with multiple People Services (HR) systems and of Microsoft programmes (i.e. Excel, Word, MS Teams).
- A strong commitment to excellence in working with a diverse population.
- A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate to the position.
- Experience of working in an operational HR shared services environment.
Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave, on top of bank holidays and a three-day Christmas closure period.
- Access to a leading pension scheme for UK higher education with generous employer contributions.
- Staff Fee Waivers for OU study, meaning you could earn a degree for free.
- Hybrid working, with limited requirement to attend the office in-person, with agile working and family friendly policies.
- Discounts, wellbeing support, and development opportunities.
People Services Assistant in Milton Keynes employer: The Open University
The Open University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to groundbreaking research in extragalactic astronomy. Located in Milton Keynes, the university provides access to cutting-edge resources and a collaborative atmosphere, making it an ideal place for passionate researchers to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Services Assistant in Milton Keynes
✨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 The Open University!
✨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 The Open University.
We think you need these skills to ace People Services Assistant in Milton Keynes
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 The Open University. 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 The Open University 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 The Open University. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Open University'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 The Open University
✨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 The Open University.
✨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 The Open University 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 The Open University and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
