Deputy HR Manager

Department of Computer Science, DTC, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford

Permanent upon successful completion of a one-year probationary period
Full time (37.5 hours per week)

About The Role

The Department of Computer Science is seeking an experienced, proactive and people-focused HR professional to join our ambitious and evolving HR team as Deputy HR Manager. This is a key leadership role within the HR team and an opportunity to make a real contribution to how our service develops.

Working in close partnership with the HR Manager, you will help lead the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality, responsive and forward-looking HR service. You will provide expert, pragmatic advice on a broad range of people matters, taking a lead on employee relations casework and supporting managers to navigate complex situations with confidence and good judgement. You will bring a strong understanding of HR practice and employment legislation, ensuring University policy is applied fairly, consistently and inclusively.

An important part of the role will be developing others. You will coach and support HR colleagues to build their knowledge, confidence and professional judgement, enabling them to take ownership and develop their capability. You will also work with managers across the Department, building effective partnerships and encouraging confident and responsible people management.

Alongside operational delivery, you will work closely with the HR Manager to identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen ways of working and continue the development of our HR service. We are looking for someone who is comfortable contributing ideas, constructively challenging existing approaches and turning improvements into action.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality, responsive HR service
• Provide expert advice on a broad range of people matters, including employee relations casework
• Support managers to navigate complex HR situations with confidence and good judgement
• Ensure University policy is applied fairly, consistently and inclusively
• Coach and support HR colleagues to build their knowledge and professional judgement
• Build effective partnerships with managers across the Department
• Identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen ways of working
• Contribute ideas and constructively challenge existing approaches

Requirements

• Experienced HR professional with strong technical knowledge
• Sound judgement and a genuine interest in developing both people and services
• Proactive, approachable and comfortable taking ownership
• Ability to manage difficult conversations sensitively and confidently
• Strong understanding of HR practice and employment legislation
• Comfortable contributing ideas and problem-solving

About Us

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Computer Science at Oxford is renowned for pioneering research and teaching across diverse fields, consistently ranking among the best in the world. Our commitment to innovation drives us to tackle complex technological and societal challenges.

Pay

Grade 7: £39,424 to £47,779 per annum (with a discretionary range to £51,983), inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting.

Benefits

• Excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time jobs)
• Comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Flexibility of hybrid working with a mixture of on-site and remote working (usual on-site presence is 3 days per week)