Employee Relations Specialist / HR Business Partner

We’re looking for an experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our People Department on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Location: Hybrid working with regular office days at Worcester Street, Oxford

Salary: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum if part time (pro rata)

Contract: Full Time/Part Time also considered (min 0.8 FTE), Fixed Term Contract (12 months)

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

The People Department is a trusted partner at the University, providing a broad range of specialist HR services across academic and professional departments.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to work across a highly diverse, devolved organisation, partnering with departments spanning academic and professional services. You’ll handle a varied and often complex ER caseload, gaining exposure to senior stakeholders and contributing to meaningful organisational change.

• Managing complex and high-risk ER casework, including disciplinary, grievance, and organisational change
• Supporting cases up to and including employment tribunals
• Advising on TUPE, restructuring, policy interpretation, and employee relations strategy
• Partnering with departments to align HR support with business objectives and risk management
• Contributing to policy development and continuous improvement
• Delivering training and briefings to managers and HR colleagues

About You

• Strong ER experience across a broad range of casework (ideally in a complex or unionised environment)
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law
• Ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders
• Experience supporting organisational change initiatives
• Excellent judgement, communication, and problem-solving skills
• CIPD qualification (or equivalent experience)

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 19 June. Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis throughout the campaign and the position may close early should a suitable candidate be found.