Kickstart Your HR Career! HR Assistant Job Available in the UK

🌟 Join the University of Oxford as an HR Assistant

📍 Central Oxford | 🕒 Full-time (Part-time possible) | 📅 Apply by 22 April 2025

The University of Oxford is a world-renowned institution with a legacy of excellence in education and research. We are proud to play a vital role in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from advancing medical research to developing solutions for climate change. 🌍🔬

As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering a first-class experience for staff and students, the Department of Engineering Science is now looking for two enthusiastic HR Assistants to join our dedicated People team. These permanent roles are ideal for individuals looking to launch or grow their career in Human Resources, with a special emphasis on recruitment, HR systems, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). 💼👥

💡 About the Department of Engineering Science

At Oxford, engineering isn’t just a subject—it’s a community. Our unified Department of Engineering Science is home to a collaborative academic team focused on innovative research and teaching across a wide range of engineering disciplines.

With over 110 academic staff and approximately 250 research staff, we’re supported by a strong team of administrative professionals, teaching support personnel, and technicians. It’s a vibrant, challenging, and deeply rewarding environment where no two days are the same. 🔧📚

🎯 The Opportunity

We’re offering two full-time, permanent HR Assistant positions that provide hands-on experience across all aspects of HR administration. Each role will allow you to grow into a well-rounded HR professional while gaining deeper expertise in either HR Systems or EDI initiatives.

Whether you’re just starting out in your HR journey or building on previous admin experience, this is your chance to make a real impact in a meaningful organisation. ✨

👥 Key Responsibilities

As an HR Assistant, you’ll support the day-to-day operations of a busy HR department. You’ll take ownership of specific administrative duties and collaborate closely with colleagues across the department and wider University.

Your key tasks will include:

📄 Supporting Recruitment Processes

• Handle the end-to-end recruitment lifecycle
• Prepare job advertisements, schedule interviews, and manage applicant communications
• Process offers and onboarding documentation

🕐 Casual Engagement & Contract Support

• Manage the casual employment cycle including documentation and approvals
• Monitor visa requirements and right-to-work checks
• Provide assistance with employment contracts and extensions

📊 HR Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate staff records
• Assist in monitoring absence and generating related reports
• Ensure compliance with University HR policies and procedures

🌈 Support for HR Systems or EDI

• Depending on the role, you’ll either help maintain HRIS platforms or contribute to the department’s equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies
• Attend relevant meetings, contribute ideas, and help implement initiatives

🙌 Customer Service & Communication

• Act as the first point of contact for HR queries from staff and managers
• Provide timely and accurate responses
• Ensure a positive experience for all employees engaging with HR services

About You:

We’re looking for organised, proactive, and detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working in a people-focused environment.

Here’s what will make you a great fit:

✅ Educated to at least GCSE level
✅ Prior experience in general administration (HR or recruitment admin is a bonus)
✅ Excellent communication skills—written and verbal
✅ Strong IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office
✅ Proven ability to handle confidential information with professionalism
✅ Great team spirit and the ability to adapt to changing priorities
✅ Accuracy and attention to detail are essential
✅ Experience with HR systems (HRIS) is desirable

💼 Contract Type & Working Hours

🕒 These are full-time roles, but we welcome applications from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 0.8 FTE).

🏠 Hybrid working is also supported. After your initial induction, you’ll be expected to spend at least two days per week in the office. This flexibility ensures a healthy work-life balance. 🧘‍♀️💻

🌟 What We Offer – Fantastic Benefits

As a valued member of the University of Oxford, you’ll enjoy access to an outstanding range of benefits that reflect how much we care about your wellbeing, growth, and lifestyle.

Here’s what’s in store:

🎓 38 Days Annual Leave
Includes public holidays and University closure days, with the option to purchase more leave if needed.

🏡 Flexible Working
Hybrid arrangements and family-friendly policies that support your work-life balance.

👶 Family & Carer Support

• Generous day-one parental leave
• Additional family leave options
• High-quality University childcare facilities
• Salary sacrifice childcare schemes

🚲 Discounted Travel

• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Discounted bus travel
• Season ticket travel loans
• Access to a car benefit scheme 🚗

💰 Pension & Financial Benefits

• Membership in an excellent contributory University pension scheme
• Employee discounts and savings programmes

🧠 Learning & Development

• A dedicated People & Organisational Development team
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Access to internal and external training courses

🧘 Wellbeing Support

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering professional and personal guidance
• Membership in sports clubs, social societies, and the University Club (free membership!)

🌍 Commitment to Inclusion
We’re proud holders of an Athena Swan Bronze Award, which recognises our proactive steps to promote women and underrepresented groups in science and technology.

📥 How to Apply

🗓️ Application Deadline: Midday, 22 April 2025
To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter/supporting statement outlining how your experience aligns with the role
• An up-to-date CV
• Contact details for two referees

📧 For informal enquiries, feel free to reach out to us at: hr@eng.ox.ac.uk

🧩 Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Oxford is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

If you’re passionate about supporting people, growing your HR expertise, and being part of a globally respected institution—this could be your perfect next step. 🚀

🔔 Ready to Join Us?

Apply today and become part of a university where your work genuinely matters—both locally and globally.

📝 Apply Now and Help Us Shape the Future of Engineering and Education!

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