Senior Human Resources Manager

University of Oxford - Department of Experimental Psychology

Location: The Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road

The Department of Experimental Psychology is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the HR team in delivering a responsive, professional and solutions-focused HR service supporting the department’s operational needs, and to provide advice and guidance to senior colleagues across the full HR lifecycle.

This role is permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week). Part-time will be considered, with a minimum of 30 hours per week or 0.8 FTE. The role is based within the Life and Mind Building with flexibility to work from home for up to 40% of time once established in post.

You will oversee all HR operations, manage and support a small team, and act as the senior HR adviser to the Head of Department, the Head of Administration and Finance, and other senior colleagues.

Working on HR projects, policy development and improvements to HR systems and processes, you will be an experienced, knowledgeable and motivational leader, who will be accountable for the delivery of high-quality support for departmental customers. You will have sound judgement under pressure, be able to think laterally and creatively, with the ability to coach line managers to build people management capability and confidence. You will also represent the department at Divisional and University HR networks and working groups.

The Department of Experimental Psychology is a large, internationally recognised department with a high volume of academic activity and a fast-paced, research-driven culture. The department has recently moved to its new home in The Life and Mind building. This exciting development provides exceptional research and teaching facilities along with space for public engagement and outreach. It also offers renewed commitment to work across disciplinary boundaries to further knowledge across the psychological and biological sciences and to solve major global challenges. See: Home | The Life and Mind Building

About you

You will be degree-educated (or equivalent) and working at CIPD Graduate level or above, with relevant and recent experience of managing HR operations in a complex organisation. You will have a strong working knowledge of UK employment law and proven experience of managing complex employee relations casework with confidence, sound judgment, and discretion.

You will combine strategic awareness with a practical, hands-on approach, delivering a professional and effective HR service. With excellent interpersonal and communication skills, you will coach and support managers and build effective working relationships at all levels. With the ability to motivate and work collaboratively within a successful team and contribute to the development of an inclusive and positive working environment, you will be analytical and well-organised, and use HR data to inform decision-making and help shape departmental strategy.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement addressing the selection criteria, your CV, and the contact details of two referees as part of your application. For further details please refer to the “How to apply” section of the job description.

The closing date for applications is midday on 20 January 2026 and only applications received by this date will be considered. It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 29/30 January 2026.

The University of Oxford is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of their background. We are committed to equality and valuing diversity.