At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People, Engagement and Development team to enhance employee experience and support staff.
- Company: Join the award-winning Students’ Union at Essex, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR management and a passion for supporting people.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
ABOUT US
The Students’ Union at Essex is on a mission to become the world’s most student-centred organisation .
It sounds bold, and it is.
But we believe that every single one of our 13,000 members deserve nothing less.
We’re dedicated to help students have the best experience possible at the University of Essex.
And we’re pretty good at it too.
Students ranked us as 7th best Students’ Union in the country in the annual What Uni Student Choice Awards 2024, the 6th year in a row we’ve been voted in the top 10.
And we need more brilliant people who share our ambition, to join in and help us create the next, most exciting part of our journey.
OUR VALUES
At Essex SU, we’re not like other Students’ Unions and we don’t want to be. We’re proud of our values (we call them our tattoos), which guide the way we work:
- Powered by students
- everything we do comes from our members
- Shoulder to shoulder
- 13,000+ students and staff, standing together
- No bullshit
- we promise to tell it like it is, no spin and no red tape
- Work hard, play hard
- because life’s about both
- Always challenge
- the Essex spirit is in our DNA and we’ll fight to uphold it
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Reporting to the People Director, you will play a key role in the effective running of the People, Engagement and Development (PED) department, ensuring the delivery of a high‑quality, responsive and people‑focused service across the Students’ Union.
You will oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the department, managing the People & Payroll Advisor and student staff team, whilst ensuring our processes, systems and ways of working continue to develop and improve.
You will take ownership of the operational delivery of the People function, ensuring managers and staff receive effective support across the employee lifecycle.
You will lead on the continuous improvement of People processes, systems and practices, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, manage risk and ensure compliance with employment legislation and good practice.
Working closely with the People Director and managers across the SU, you will provide practical advice and guidance on a wide range of people matters, ensuring the PED team delivers a proactive, consistent and trusted service.
You will bring insight, challenge and recommendations to support the ongoing development of the People function and contribute to creating an effective and positive employee experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE
- Oversee the day‑to‑day delivery of the PED function, ensuring People services are effective, timely and responsive to the needs of staff and managers across the SU.
- Manage, support and develop the PED team, including the People & Payroll Advisor and student staff, ensuring priorities are clear and work is delivered effectively.
- Maintain and continuously improve HR systems, processes and documentation, ensuring records are accurate, accessible and compliant with GDPR requirements.
- Proactively identify People‑related risks, trends and opportunities for improvement, providing recommendations and solutions to the People Director and wider organisation.
- Lead the review, development and implementation of HR policies, procedures and guidance, ensuring they reflect employment legislation, good practice and the needs of the organisation.
- Provide expert advice, guidance and support to managers on a range of people matters, including employee relations, performance management, sickness absence, disciplinary, grievance and investigation processes, ensuring matters are handled fairly, consistently and appropriately.
- Support and advise managers through complex people situations, helping to identify risks, resolve issues and make informed decisions.
- Oversee effective absence management processes, identifying trends and supporting managers to improve attendance, wellbeing and employee support.
- Oversee and support recruitment and onboarding processes, ensuring a positive and consistent experience for new and existing staff.
- Ensure effective employee lifecycle processes are in place, including new starters, changes to contracts, role changes and leavers.
- Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery, working with relevant stakeholders to resolve queries and continuously improve processes.
- Lead and support People‑related projects and initiatives across the SU, identifying opportunities to improve services and ways of working.
- Support managers with workforce planning, development conversations and the creation of effective development plans for their teams.
- Coordinate and contribute to learning and development activity, including sourcing external providers, resources and supporting development programmes for staff, student leaders, trustees and elected officers.
- Champion employee wellbeing initiatives and coordinate activities that support the SU’s culture and ‘work hard, play hard’ ethos.
- Lead and coordinate staff engagement activity, gathering feedback and identifying ways to improve communication, connection and the overall employee experience.
- Develop and maintain initiatives that support staff culture, recognition and engagement, helping to strengthen the SU’s values and working environment.
- Support effective internal communications relating to People matters, ensuring staff receive timely, clear and engaging updates.
- Monitor and evaluate People activity, using feedback, data and insights to improve services and inform future priorities.
- Ensure appropriate records are maintained for meetings, employee relations cases and People activities, with accurate documentation and GDPR compliance.
- Support Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and help create an inclusive and supportive working environment.
- Work collaboratively with teams across the SU to understand their needs and identify opportunities to improve the support and services provided by PED.
- Take ownership of ad hoc People projects and initiatives, bringing structure, organisation and a solutions‑focused approach to emerging needs across the SU.
- All staff are expected to contribute to wider SU activities, including Elections, Events and Campaigns, demonstrating a positive, collaborative and hands‑on approach.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
HR Manager in Colchester employer: University of Essex Students' Union
The Students’ Union at Essex is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. Located at the University of Essex, you will enjoy a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the student experience, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
University of Essex Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Colchester
✨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!
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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 University of Essex Students' Union!
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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.
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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 University of Essex Students' Union.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Colchester
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 University of Essex Students' Union. 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 University of Essex Students' Union 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 University of Essex Students' Union. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to University of Essex Students' Union'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 University of Essex Students' Union
✨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 University of Essex Students' Union.
✨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 University of Essex Students' Union 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 University of Essex Students' Union and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
