HR Assistant Manager in Slough

HR Assistant Manager in Slough

Slough Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Victoria College of Arts and Design

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR strategy and support a growing higher education provider with hands-on delivery.
  • Company: Join VCAD, a dynamic multi-campus higher education provider focused on people.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 7.2 weeks annual leave, workplace pension, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Flexible role with excellent career development and training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping a people-focused HR service and culture.
  • Qualifications: Experienced HR generalist with strong knowledge of UK employment law and team leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

The opportunity

VCAD is looking for an experienced and commercially minded HR Assistant Manager to lead our people function across a growing, multi-campus higher education provider.

This is a broad and influential role combining strategic HR leadership with hands-on delivery.

You will lead a small HR team, advise senior leaders and managers, shape VCAD’s people strategy and support the continued development of a professional, responsive and people-focused HR service.

You will also serve as a member of, and principal HR adviser to, VCAD’s Remuneration and Nominations Committee, chaired by an independent Governor.

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver VCAD’s HR strategy and people priorities.
  • Advise senior leaders and Governors on workforce planning, organisation design, succession, culture and people risk.
  • Support the Remuneration and Nominations Committee on remuneration, senior appointments and succession matters.
  • Lead employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and investigations.
  • Coach and advise managers across the full range of people matters.
  • Lead and continuously improve recruitment, onboarding and HR operations.
  • Work and liaise with PEN’s HR team to coordinate and support any Associated Company within the PEN Group
  • Lead job evaluation, grading, performance management, learning and development, talent and succession planning.
  • Develop and maintain compliant and effective HR policies and procedures.
  • Promote staff wellbeing, engagement, equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Lead and develop the HR team, including overseas-based support colleagues.
  • Provide meaningful people data and reporting to senior management and VCAD governance bodies.
  • Oversee and coordinate all aspects of personnel management, including payroll, pensions, rewards, communications, and related activities.
  • Lead and manage employee payroll and pension schemes, working closely with the Accounts Department to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.
  • Be flexible and show initiative, you may be required to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the Company.

About you

You will be an experienced HR generalist who is comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.

You will bring

  • Substantial HR management experience.
  • Experience leading and developing an HR team.
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ACAS guidance.
  • Experience managing complex employee relations matters.
  • Experience advising senior leaders on workforce and organisational issues.
  • Strong stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
  • Sound judgement and discretion when handling sensitive matters.
  • The ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
  • CIPD Level 5, or equivalent professional qualification or experience.

Benefits

  • Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
  • Workplace pension scheme.
  • Company Sick Pay.
  • Statutory maternity and paternity pay.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)
  • Virtual GP access (Livi)
  • 'Speak Up Service' - confidential support service to report any workplace concerns
  • Specialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling support (Wisdom)
  • Specialist menopause support, including online CBT (Wisdom)
  • Financial, legal and medical advice services provided (Wisdom)
  • Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)
  • Financial coaching (MUNNY)
  • Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)
  • Career development and training opportunities.
  • Training and self-development opportunities.
Victoria College of Arts and Design

Contact Details:

Victoria College of Arts and Design Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Assistant Manager in Slough

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!

Make Your Presence Known

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 Victoria College of Arts and Design!

Leverage Your University Connections

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.

Showcase Your HR Passion

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 Victoria College of Arts and Design.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant Manager in Slough

HR Management
Strategic HR Leadership
Employee Relations
Workforce Planning
Organisational Design
UK Employment Law
Stakeholder Management

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 Victoria College of Arts and Design. 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 Victoria College of Arts and Design 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 Victoria College of Arts and Design. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Victoria College of Arts and Design'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 Victoria College of Arts and Design

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 Victoria College of Arts and Design.

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 Victoria College of Arts and Design 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 Victoria College of Arts and Design and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.