Head of Human Resources and Deputy Administrator

This vacancy is for University internal applicants only and is for a period of a maximum of 12 months as maternity cover. Secondments will be considered.

The Head of Human Resources and Deputy Administrator is a key role within Oxford Lifelong Learning. We are seeking a temporary replacement for our Head of HR who will be commencing a period of maternity leave in November 2026. You will be responsible for the effective management of the HR function and employee experience in the Department. This senior role provides an exciting opportunity to be a pivotal member of the department’s Senior Leadership Team. You will lead a team of twelve HR colleagues to ensure that the Department delivers a people-focused, best-practice service that is in line with University policy and UK law. You will have delegated responsibility from the Chief Operating Officer for ensuring the effective delivery of key strategic and operational projects. As a senior member of the Professional Services team, you will promote core values and behaviours, advising on key initiatives and support the implementation and development of a high performing Professional Services team across the department. You will also provide advice and guidance on Department-wide projects and strategic change initiatives from an HR perspective, and help shape and deliver Oxford Lifelong Learning’s strategic objectives as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Following a period of significant change, and increase in staff headcount to 560 staff representing 300FTE, the Head of HR will be responsible for embedding key processes for managing and supporting these new staff, as well as leading on the management of over 400 casual tutors on Eploy.

You will also be expected to support and deputise for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in any areas of their responsibility, including, but not limited to, academic administration, financial systems, central budgets, premises, IT systems, the Residential Centre and the Technology-Assisted Lifelong Learning unit, as well as for leading strategic initiatives and advising the department’s Director on issues relevant to the whole Department. You will also be responsible, working with the COO, for effective process improvement across the Department, ensuring consistency of best practice and delivery of efficient processes using technology to assist where possible.

Oxford Lifelong Learning has defined its mission, vision and values. These set out what we do, how we work, and what our ambitions are. Our intention is to become a global centre of excellence for lifelong learning, and to provide access to Oxford’s unique and world-leading resources through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research. As Head of Human Resources and Deputy Administrator, you will have a vital role to play in enabling the department to live its mission, vision and values.

Oxford Lifelong Learning provides opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to benefit from the University’s rich and unique resources. We are ambitious and forward-thinking, with a strong sense of identity and community.

Our mission is to inspire people locally, nationally and globally by extending access to Oxford’s world-class teaching and resources through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research.

Colleagues uphold the Mission, vision and values of the Department and actively promote a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matter to us, so we offer a range of family-friendly and financial benefits, including:

• an excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave
• a comprehensive range of childcare services
• family leave schemes
• a cycle loan scheme
• membership of a variety of social and sports clubs
• discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans.

Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website (https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply).

Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description.

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now.

You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants).

Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename.

All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement.

If you currently work for the University, please note that:

• as part of the referencing process, we will contact your current department to confirm basic
  employment details including reason for leaving
• although employees may hold multiple part-time posts, they may not hold more than the equivalent of a full-time post. If you are offered this post, and accepting it would take you over
  the equivalent of full-time hours, you will be expected to resign from, or reduce hours in, your other posts(s) before starting work in the new post