HR Officer in Oxford

HR Officer in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 30000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support policies in a vibrant college environment.
  • Company: Join St Cross, one of Oxford's youngest colleges with a friendly community.
  • Benefits: Be part of an engaging team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment dedicated to supporting graduate students and Fellows.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by putting people at the heart of everything we do.
  • Qualifications: CIPD graduate level or working towards it, with strong interpersonal skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.

Computer Science - Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QD This vacancy is for internal applicants only, secondments considered. About the Role This is an excellent opportunity to step into a pivotal Grade 6 HR role within a busy and evolving department. Joining the HR team during a period of service redesign, you will play a central role in delivering and embedding improved ways of working across the full employee lifecycle. Working closely with the HR Manager, you will act as a trusted adviser to managers and staff, providing confident guidance on HR policy, employment legislation and first-line employee relations matters (including absence, probation, performance and family leave). A key element of the role is leading on visa and right to work compliance for the department. You will oversee applications and renewals, act as the departmental expert on immigration processes, and support and quality-check colleagues to ensure consistent and compliant practice. You will also oversee recruitment and onboarding processes, support payroll activity for casual staff, maintain HR systems and data integrity, and contribute to continuous improvement as we streamline workflows and remove bottlenecks. This fixed-term post (until July 2026) offers valuable breadth and visibility within a high-performing academic department. We welcome applications from internal candidates and are happy to consider secondments. The role is full-time (37.5 hours per week), with 0.8 FTE considered. Hybrid working applies, with an on-site presence of three days per week. About You You will be an experienced HR generalist who is confident advising managers and exercising sound judgement in a fast-paced environment. You will bring: • Experience providing HR advice on policy and first-line employee relations matters • Strong practical knowledge of UKVI and right to work processes • Experience overseeing recruitment and employee lifecycle processes • The ability to guide and support colleagues and contribute to service resilience • Good working knowledge of UK employment law • Experience using HR systems (e.g. PeopleXD/CoreHR) • CIPD Level 5 qualification (or working towards), or equivalent experience Recent experience working within the University of Oxford is essential , with a strong understanding of University policies, procedures and systems. Experience within a complex academic environment would be advantageous. Diversity Committed to equality and valuing diversity. Application Process

HR Officer in Oxford employer: University of Oxford

St Cross College offers a unique and supportive work environment where staff are empowered to thrive and contribute to an intellectually vibrant community. With a commitment to employee growth and development, the college fosters a friendly atmosphere that prioritises people at the heart of its operations, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in higher education.

University of Oxford

Contact Details:

University of Oxford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Officer in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at St Cross on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in an HR Officer.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching HR initiatives that align with St Cross's goals. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit, but that we’re genuinely excited about contributing to their 2025-28 strategy.

Tip Number 3

Practice our interpersonal skills! Role-play common interview questions with a friend, focusing on how we can put people at the heart of everything we do. This will help us shine during the real deal.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the St Cross community.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer in Oxford

CIPD Qualification
Interpersonal Skills
HR Initiatives Delivery
Understanding of University Policies
Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability
Engagement Skills
Supportive Communication

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission at St Cross, showing us why you’re the perfect fit for our friendly college environment.

Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since we value excellent interpersonal skills, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles. This will help us see how you can contribute to our supportive community.

Express Your Enthusiasm:Let your passion for HR shine through! We want to know why you’re excited about this role and how you plan to engage with our vibrant community. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Know Your HR Stuff

Make sure you brush up on HR policies and processes, especially those relevant to the University of Oxford. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in HR initiatives that could enhance the staff experience at St Cross.

Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills

During the interview, demonstrate your excellent interpersonal skills by engaging with your interviewers. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenging situations or built strong relationships.

Emphasise Your Enthusiasm

Let your passion for working in a varied and fast-paced environment shine through. Share specific instances where you've thrived in similar settings, highlighting your adaptability and eagerness to contribute to a friendly college atmosphere.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Have a few insightful questions ready to ask your interviewers about their HR initiatives and the culture at St Cross. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.