Human Resources Manager – Oxford

About the role

Hays is partnering with a well‑established organisation in Oxford to recruit a Human Resources Manager. Working closely with the Head of HR, you will lead a small HR team and deliver a proactive, high‑quality service across the employee lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Manage complex employee relations cases, including disciplinary, grievance, harassment and performance issues.
• Oversee absence management, analyse trends and support wellbeing initiatives.
• Review and improve HR processes, develop SOPs and service standards.
• Support policy development, staff surveys, exit‑interview analysis and HR initiatives.
• Supervise recruitment and selection for support staff and academic appointments, ensuring compliance with right‑to‑work, DBS and visa requirements.
• Oversee recruitment reporting, equality data and recruitment effectiveness metrics.
• Line‑manage a team of two HR professionals, fostering creativity and excellence.

Required profile

• Proven experience as an HR Manager within a small HR function.
• Ability to lead a team and influence HR strategy.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, absence management and recruitment processes.

Required skills

What we offer

• Salary £50,000 – £55,000 per year.
• Excellent benefits package.
• On‑site role (5 days a week) with free parking.