Interim HR Manager

Are you an HR manager ready to take on the challenge of supporting a large multi-disciplined workforce?

Join our Estates Services team at the University of Oxford and play a pivotal role in driving effective HR practices that support our diverse workforce.

Location: The Malthouse, Tidmarsh Lane, Oxford

Contract: Full-time, six months secondment cover. This role is also available as an internal secondment.

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 nine 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. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

Estates Services is one of the University’s largest departments, providing the buildings, facilities, and infrastructure that underpin Oxford’s academic mission. From world-famous historic colleges to cutting-edge laboratories, our work touches every part of University life. With staff spread across multiple sites, Estates Services is a dynamic environment and people are at the heart of everything we do. As our Interim HR Manager, you will lead and develop the HR function that supports this vital mission.

About the Role

As Interim HR Manager for Estates Services, you will lead the HR function. Reporting to the Head of Business Administration, you will oversee a team of HR professionals delivering a responsive, high-quality HR service across performance, employee relations, recruitment and staff wellbeing.

You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers, providing guidance on HR policy, employment law, and change management. At the same time, you’ll manage a team of HR staff, providing day-to-day support and guidance.

This is a role where no two days are the same – one moment you may be advising on complex employee relations cases, the next driving forward initiatives such as staff development programmes and process improvement. You will be at the centre of people management in a department that directly supports Oxford’s world-class research and teaching mission.

About You

• A CIPD qualification (graduate level or above), or equivalent experience.
• Substantial experience of managing HR operations in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven ability to lead and develop an HR team.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and its practical application.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.

Application Process

To apply, please upload (via the Apply button above):

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

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

Interviews will take place the week commencing 13 October 2025, and will be held face-to-face.