About the job
Fixed Term Contract: 6 Months (Immediate Start)
Working Pattern: 0.6 FTE (Flexibility to work hours across 3, 4, or 5 days a week)
About Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes is a modern, forward-thinking institution rooted in a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised university focused on high-quality teaching, impactful research, and an excellent student experience.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone can develop, progress, and thrive. In acknowledgment of our commitment to inclusivity and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award and the Race Equality Chartermark. As a Disability Confident Employer, we also guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
The Role
Are you a hands-on HR professional who thrives in a busy environment? We are looking for a People Manager (HR Manager) to join us on a 6-month fixed-term basis to provide expert Employee Relations (ER) support.
Reporting to the Senior People Manager, you will be a trusted advisor delivering a comprehensive ER service to line managers and senior management. This is a role for a relationship-builder, someone who can partner with stakeholders quickly and navigate complex people management scenarios with ease.
What will I be doing?
- ER Expert Advice: Providing professional guidance on employment law, legislative obligations, and the interpretation of university terms and conditions.
- Case Management: Supporting managers through investigations for disciplinary and grievance cases, ensuring timely completion and expert advice on precedent and risk.
- Performance & Wellbeing: Advising on formal and informal performance management and proactively managing staff wellbeing, including complex sickness absence and Occupational Health referrals.
- Strategic Alignment: Supporting organisational change projects, such as restructuring and formal consultations.
- Stakeholder Partnership: Attending and contributing to management meetings, providing expert advice to support decision-making.
What skills do I need?
We are looking for a resilient, solution-focused professional who possesses:
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 (or CIPD Level 5 with an equivalent level of knowledge and relevant experience).
- ER Expertise: Proven experience of managing all areas of ER-related issues in a large and complex organisation.
- Stakeholder Management: The ability to engage and partner with stakeholders quickly and easily to build trust.
- Communication: A collaborative approach to coaching line managers and a "hands-on" management style.
Location & Flexibility
This role is based at our Headington Campus, which features a vibrant atmosphere and a modern office environment. We offer a hybrid working model requiring a minimum of one day per week on campus. We are highly flexible regarding how you work your 0.6 FTE, with the option to spread hours across 3, 4, or 5 days per week.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of fantastic benefits to support your work-life balance and wellbeing; here are just a few of the highlights:
- Generous Leave: Minimum of 25 days holiday (pro-rata), plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional university concessionary days.
- Pension: Competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% employer contribution rate.
- Perks: Access to a fantastic student discount scheme (TOTUM), employee assistance programmes, and discounted gym facilities.
- Community: Access to a wide variety of staff networks that instil a sense of community and offer space for support and friendship.
Application Deadline
- Closing Date: 23.30, 5 May 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 11 May 2026
- Start Date: Immediate
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Deputy Director People Operations, Claire Cross, at c.cross@brookes.ac.uk.
