HR Operations Assistant ) - Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
In People Experience and Culture, we foster a culture of excellence which positively impacts the student experience and supports the University’s growth and success. We focus on the wellbeing of our colleagues, and support our leaders to create engaged, goal-aligned teams that power our organisation and community.
We bring a future-focussed approach to people and skills challenges, using data-led insights to partner our colleges and directorates in securing the right people, at the right time, with the right skills, and right culture that allow us to meet our strategic objectives.
Human Resources
Our human resources team consists of:
- Resourcing - The Recruitment Team resource for a variety of vacancies across the University’s portfolio including permanent, fixed term and hourly paid roles, where the individual will be employed directly with the University. We process vacancies from the point of raising Recruitment Request Form on the E-Recruitment system throughout interviewing and to the point of offer.
- HR Operations - The HR Operations Team assist managers, HR Business Partners and employees throughout their employee lifecycle.
- HR Systems - The HR Systems team are responsible for the development and provision of information regarding our workforce. We analyse and present data to help support the organisation with evidence-based decision making.
- Business Partnering and Advisory - we support the delivery of the University's People Strategy, Strategic Framework, goals and operational plans within their portfolio areas. We provide proactive, strategic and operational HR support with the purpose of aligning the University’s vision and its people by supporting stakeholders to create and implement local plans and strategies.
- Strategy, Reward and Employee Relations - The HR Strategy, Reward and Employee Relations Team develop future-focussed employment strategies and policies that help support good governance and ensure legal compliance, whilst also developing our Employee Value Proposition both within and outside the sector. We develop evidence-based pay and reward strategies, policies and benefit & recognition schemes that enable us to be competitive and that help drive a culture of high performance across the university.
About the Role
Join our People, Experience and Culture (PEC) team as an HR Operations professional, providing first-line HR advice and support to managers and employees across the organisation. You'll play a key role in delivering an efficient, customer-focused HR service throughout the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee changes, payroll administration, compliance monitoring, and maintaining accurate HR records.
Working closely with colleagues across the wider PEC team, you'll resolve HR queries, ensure adherence to policies and employment legislation, contribute to process improvements, and support HR projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and organised individual who is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, building strong stakeholder relationships, and driving continuous improvement.
This role is part time 25 hours. The working pattern for the role is open for discussion at interview.
This position is offered on a fixed-term basis to cover a period of maternity leave, with the contract due to end in late August 2027. There may be the potential for the contract to be extended beyond this date, however this cannot be guaranteed.
About You
We are seeking a customer-focused individual with strong organisational and communication skills. Educated to A-Level standard (or equivalent experience) with GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above (or equivalent), you will have experience of delivering excellent customer service, handling confidential information, and adapting to change in a professional environment.
The successful candidate will be solutions-focused, highly organised, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Experience of working with data systems is essential, ideally with HR systems such as iTrent and Sharepoint.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Clare Wells, HR Operations Team Leader via
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here .
Closing Date: 23 Aug 2026
Area: Operational Support
Salary: £26,981 to £28,213 per annum pro rata
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £32,445 per annum, pro rata)
HR Operations Assistant (0227-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in IT service delivery. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to professional growth opportunities and a generous benefits package, all while contributing to a vibrant academic community dedicated to enhancing user systems and maintaining high security standards.
