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- Tasks: Support HR operations, recruitment, and employee relations in a dynamic higher education environment.
- Company: Join a leading higher education institution committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping a positive workplace for academic and professional staff.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or working towards, with 3-5 years of HR experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a collaborative and engaging environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sector: Higher Education
Reporting To: The post-holder will report directly to the Head of HR. The Provost of the College acts as executive lead for the role and will work collaboratively with the Head of HR, including providing interim line management oversight during periods of Head of HR absence.
Role Summary: The HR Manager (Generalist) provides operational HR support across academic and professional services staff, ensuring compliance with UK employment law, HE sector frameworks, and institutional policies. The role supports managers in delivering fair, consistent people practices while promoting an inclusive, research- and teaching-focused culture.
Key Responsibilities
- HR Advisory & Employee Relations: Support the Head of HR with providing up to date and consistent HR advice and guidance to Board of Directors, Executive Board and Heads of Departments. Support employee relations cases including sickness absence, disciplinary, grievance, capability, and probation.
- Recruitment & Onboarding: Oversee recruitment for academic and professional services roles. Ensure compliance with right-to-work checks, fixed-term contract regulations, and equality legislation. Oversee onboarding for new colleagues including probation and mentoring arrangements.
- Policy, Compliance & Governance: Support the Head of HR with maintenance of HR policies aligned with HE governance structures. Ensure compliance with employment law, GDPR, and internal regulatory frameworks. Assist with audits, equality reporting, and sector benchmarking.
- Engagement, Equality & Wellbeing: Support equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Contribute to staff engagement and wellbeing programmes. Promote positive employee relations in a unionised environment.
- Compensation & Benefits: Ensure that monthly payroll is run accurately and on-time. Liaise with Line Managers regarding overtime and timesheet anomalies.
Selection Criteria
- Essential:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards)
- 3-5 years UK HR generalist or advisory experience
- Practical knowledge of UK employment law
- Experience supporting employee relations cases
- Ability to work confidently with academic stakeholders
- Strong written, verbal, and report-writing skills
- Payroll Knowledge
- HR experience in Higher Education or public sector
- Experience working in a unionised environment
- Understanding of academic probation and fixed-term contracts
- CIPD Level 7 (or intention to progress)
HR Manager in Manchester employer: UK Management College
Contact Detail:
UK Management College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around inclusivity and employee wellbeing. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your HR advisory skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve successfully navigated employee relations issues or implemented policies. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that HR Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in UK employment law and employee relations. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about HR in higher education and how you can contribute to our inclusive culture. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your strong written and verbal communication skills. Whether it’s through your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, make sure we can see your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Management College
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and the specific HR practices relevant to the higher education sector. Familiarise yourself with common employee relations cases, as you'll likely be asked how you'd handle situations like sickness absence or grievances.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that demonstrate your HR generalist experience. Think about times you've successfully managed recruitment processes or contributed to employee wellbeing initiatives, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Culture
Research the institution's values and culture. Be ready to discuss how you can promote an inclusive environment and support equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. This shows you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the current challenges the HR team faces or how they measure success in employee engagement. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
