HR & Employee Engagement Officer in Manchester

Organisation: UK Sport

Location: Loughborough/London/Manchester based, with regular remote working.

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Closing Date: Monday 24 August 2026

Interview Dates: Stage 1: 7-8 September 2026 (virtual on Teams) Stage 2: 16 September 2026

About the role

As HR and Employee Engagement Officer, you will play an important role in supporting a positive, inclusive and well-coordinated employee experience across UK Sport. Working closely with the HR Manager (People and Development), you will provide proactive, high-quality operational HR and employee engagement support across the employee lifecycle, helping managers and colleagues access the right guidance, processes and support at the right time.

The role supports UK Sport’s people-facing HR activity, including onboarding and offboarding, employee relations, sickness absence management, recruitment coordination, learning and development, employee engagement, internal communications, wellbeing and wider HR initiatives. The postholder will coordinate key people processes, maintain accurate records, support meetings and documentation, and help ensure activity is delivered consistently and to agreed timescales.

Working collaboratively with managers, staff, Recruitment Advisory Services, Learning and Development colleagues and specialist Group services, the postholder helps deliver a joined-up employee experience and supports initiatives that strengthen engagement, wellbeing and organisational culture. Through strong coordination, clear communication and a proactive, relationship-focused approach, the role helps translate people activity and staff feedback into practical action and continuous improvement.

Who will I be working with?

You’ll work closely with colleagues across UK Sport at all levels, as well as external partners and stakeholders, building trusted relationships that support effective decision making across the organisation. This role supports our hybrid working approach, with regular office attendance required in line with team and organisational expectations.

About you

You’re a proactive and organised HR professional who builds positive relationships and provides clear, practical support to managers and colleagues. You’re comfortable coordinating a range of people processes, balancing attention to detail, discretion and confidentiality with a supportive and people-centred approach. You enjoy working across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment, onboarding and offboarding to engagement, wellbeing, internal communications and employee relations, helping to create a positive and inclusive employee experience. You’re collaborative, proactive and committed to continuous improvement, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, support organisational initiatives and help colleagues feel informed, connected and supported.

What you’ll bring

• Experience supporting operational HR activity across the employee lifecycle.
• Experience supporting employee engagement, wellbeing or employee experience activity.
• Strong organisation, prioritisation and attention to detail.
• Confidence coordinating multiple HR processes accurately and confidentially.
• A collaborative approach and strong relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work effectively with colleagues, managers and stakeholders across teams.

It’s a bonus if you also have:

• Experience supporting wellbeing, welfare or organisational health activity.
• A commitment to continuous professional development.

UK Sport also offer a competitive benefit package that includes:

• Defined contribution pension scheme.
• Employer pension contribution of 10%.
• 6 weeks Annual Leave (depending on contract).
• A flexible approach to working where possible.
• Interest free season ticket loans.
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Parental Leave.
• Healthy Lifestyle allowance of up to £600 per year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace culture where difference is embraced, and exceptional talents can flourish. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, and we’re interested to hear from people that may require flexible working patterns or may want to work less than a full-time contract.

As we strive to ensure our workforce is more reflective of UK society, we particularly welcome applications from people with ethnically diverse backgrounds or with a disability or long term health condition as these groups are currently underrepresented at UK Sport. We offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role if:

• They have a physical or mental impairment that has a “substantial” and “long-term” negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities, or
• Who do not identify as White British/English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish.

To qualify, you need to demonstrate in your application that you meet the minimum criteria for the role and belong to one of the above groups. If you have a disability, please contact us to discuss any adjustments you may need at interview or in the role, if successful.

UK SPORT IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER. At UK Sport we are determined to lead by example, striving to be a role model organisation in all we do in equality, diversity and inclusion, from leadership to delivery.