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- Tasks: Support HR functions, assist with recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a diverse and world-class institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
- Why this job: Kickstart your HR career in a dynamic environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values diversity and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 ÂŁ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
In this exciting and fast paced role, you’ll gain valuable experience working within a diverse and experienced HR function in a large and dynamic organisation.
As HR Assistant you\’ll play a key role in providing an efficient, effective and knowledgeable HR service to managers and staff on a wide range of HR matters including, but not limited to, recruitment, onboarding, employee relations and payroll.
By working across different areas and with our highly creative teams of HR professionals, you will expand and develop your knowledge of HR , for example, in relation to employment law, visas and immigration, policies and procedures, and by supporting case work, via note‑taking.
As a champion for continuous improvement, you will help us to enhance our excellent reputation for supporting colleagues throughout their career at the University.
If you\’re keen to embark on, or further your career in HR then this is the role for you.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Proactively support our dedicated recruiters in School’s/Departments by providing valuable support and advice on a wide range of HR policies and procedures
- Process a variety of documentation using templates, for example, recruitment, new contracts and contractual changes
- Support the University’s talent attraction by reviewing and processing job descriptions via our electronic recruitment system (SuccessFactors Recruiting)
- Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria for new starters, including managing UKVI visa processes and process DBS checks
- Use the University staff system, uBase (SAP), to create and maintain accurate HR/Payroll records/data, ensuring we meet procedural and legislative requirements
- Build relationships and work collaboratively with departmental contacts and associated departments such as Payroll and Pensions
- Use problem‑solving skills to proactively contribute to optimising workflows and streamline processes
- Support HR Business Partnering with note‑taking at formal disciplinary and capability meetings
- Manage your workload, prioritising tasks to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and deadlines are met
- Work to deadlines independently and as part of your team
- Contribute to the effective delivery of the HR Strategy and key organisational priorities supporting the University\’s vision
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn\’t match perfectly with this role\’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Further Information
Grade
4
Salary
£25,249 – £26,707 per annum
Work arrangement
Full‑time
Duration
Role 1‑2: Permanent
Roles 3‑4 – Fixed‑term from 29 October 2025 – 8 September 2026 and, Fixed‑term until 31 July 2026.
Line manager
Claire Staniland, Team Leader
For informal enquiries about this job contact Claire Staniland, Team Leader on c.k.staniland@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 3 November 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennie Gladwin on j.m.gladwin@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
- A range of generous family‑friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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HR Assistant employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current HR professionals at the University of Sheffield or in similar roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common HR scenarios. Think about how you'd handle recruitment challenges or employee relations issues, and be ready to share your thoughts!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! During interviews, highlight times when you've optimised workflows or streamlined processes. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to HR.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the HR Assistant role. Highlight your understanding of HR policies and procedures, as well as any relevant experience you have in recruitment or employee relations.
Showcase Your Passion for HR: Let us know why you're excited about a career in HR! Share your enthusiasm for supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive workplace culture. This will help us see your commitment to our vision at the University of Sheffield.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application statement, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your HR Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key HR concepts and policies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with employment law, recruitment processes, and onboarding procedures. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the fundamentals of HR.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully solved problems or streamlined processes in previous roles. The University values continuous improvement, so demonstrating your ability to enhance workflows will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, take the time to connect with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at the University and share your enthusiasm for working in a diverse environment. Building a good rapport can leave a lasting impression and show that you’re a team player.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the HR team's current projects or how they measure success in the HR Assistant role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
