HR & Administrative Lead

Job Purpose

• To provide HR Support for the Association on all aspects of the employment relationship from recruitment to exit.


• To support the Association’s complaints management.


• To provide administrative support to the Association and Chief Executive.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the lead and principal point of contact for all Human Resources and people related matters within the Association


• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of HR and administrative systems, processes, and service standards


• Maintain strategic oversight of the Association’s HR software and people records, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective use of data


• Lead and manage the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, contracts, probation, performance management, and exit processes


• Provide advice and guidance to managers and senior staff on HR matters, escalating complex issues to external HR advisers where appropriate


• Lead the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures in line with employment law and best practice


• Act as the key liaison with external HR consultants and the University HR Department on disciplinary, grievance, capability, and other complex HR matters


• Lead on complaints handling as Caseworker, overseeing investigations and ensuring fair, timely, and consistent processes and responses


• Provide leadership on administrative governance, including meeting administration, minute-taking for formal meetings, and tracking actions to completion


• Lead the coordination of organisational logistics, including travel, accommodation, room bookings, and procurement of goods and services


• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and professionalism of official Association correspondence and documentation


• Lead on the management of organisational records, databases, and archives, ensuring compliance with data protection and retention requirements


• Identify and implement improvements to administrative systems, customer service, and operational efficiency across the Association


• Act as Clerk to the Association Board and PA to Chief Executive

General

• To maintain strict confidentiality at all times


• To promote, support and help deliver the Associations’ strategic and operational priorities (including Elections and Freshers’ Week)


• Support the democratic structures of Association such as representative meetings and other decision-making processes.


• Create and maintain positive relationships with officers, students and staff


• To provide support for the Elected Student Officers, enabling their development and work


• Produce documents, papers, reports and presentations


• Work as part of a professional team and ensure that a positive team spirit is adopted at all times


• Use initiative and creative input to improve the student experience by demonstrating knowledge and experience to students and adopting a helpful and practical approach to work


• Signpost enquiries where appropriate to other services, including the University of St Andrews Deliver relevant training sessions to staff, students and officers


• Liaison with key external organisations, e.g. Fife Council, Worknest and other Student Unions etc


• Act on behalf of the Association and articulate the Association’s ideas at relevant University committees


• To work within Association administration and financial procedures


• Keep in line with Association operational plans and key performance indicators


• To attend training courses that may be identified as necessary by your Line Manager


• To carry out other level-appropriate tasks as may be required by your Line Manager


• To take due care of yourself and others in respect of Health & Safety

Additional Information

• The post-holder will be expected to undertake Continuing Professional Development to ensure that their skills continue to match the changing job requirements


• It may be necessary for the post-holder to work out of hours on occasion e.g. to cover events and extended office opening hours. A system of time off in lieu will operate to cover this


• You are encouraged to take your leave days during non-peak Association periods. For example, leave during and just before Elections and Fresher’s should be avoided.

Key Relationships

The HR and Administrative Lead will build and maintain relationships with the following people, among others:

• SU Staff


• Elected Student Officers


• University staff particularly the HR Dept


• External Agencies (HR Consultant etc.

Working with us

Additional Benefits

• On shift staff discount.


• Free staff parking.


• Time off in lieu for any hours out with contracted hours.


• Staff discount scheme to local and national services.


• www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/employeebenefits/ Cycle to Work Scheme and subsidised local bus travel (75% discount).


• Access to (S&LAS) Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.


• Employee Assistance programme.


• 35 days annual leave entitlement.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. While successful candidates will always be recruited on merit, we particularly aim to include applicants with disabilities, from BAME backgrounds, and those with diverse sexualities or marginalised gender identities.

Where we work

We are located on St Mary’s Place in St Andrews, with an additional coffee shop located on North Street. Our main building spans three floors and includes a nightclub and theatre venue, two bars, office space, and dedicated areas for societies and students.

The building is conveniently situated just a five-minute walk from the town’s main bus station and approximately a 15-minute drive from the nearest train station