This wide-ranging role presents an ideal opportunity to join a thriving academic department. Oxford Chemistry is one of the world’s leading Chemistry departments and our research covers the whole breadth of the subject and involves a large number of collaborations within Oxford and beyond.

As Head of Human Resources you will lead on the provision of people-related support services and strategic project work as well as the development of departmental policy. You will be responsible for the delivery of high quality and responsive HR support to all the Department’s staff and visitors You will provide management and leadership for the HR team (currently a Grade 7 Deputy and five Grade 5 HR Officers).

Reporting to the Head of Administration, you will work closely with the Department’s academic leadership team, including the Head of Department and the Associate Head of Department for People, to devise and take forward initiatives to promote and strengthen HR management in Chemistry. You will also be expected to develop and facilitate work to advance equality and diversity as it relates to all protected characteristics, and to overarching issues of the working and learning environment in the Department.

Full details of the post can be found in the job description.

You will be CIPD qualified (or have equivalent experience) and a proactive, experienced and innovative leader. You will have sound judgement under pressure, but able to think laterally and creatively, and have the intellectual capacity and strength of character to take and implement important, complex and sometimes difficult decisions. You will already have significant management experience in an academic (or closely-related) environment and experience of leading an HR function, as well as proven ability to manage change and respond positively to new challenges.

You would be part of a key operational team in a department that supports and encourages professional development and training. The University also offers a wide range of benefits including an excellent contributory pension scheme, 38 days annual leave and a range of family friendly benefits.

This post is permanent, full-time (part-time will be considered, minimum 80% of full time) and available immediately. The post will be based in Department of Chemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford. This is a permanent, full-time position. We operate a flexible/hybrid working arrangement (minimum 3 days on-site each week) and actively promote a family friendly working environment, including generous provision of family leave.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Silver Award and is committed to equality and valuing diversity and welcomes applications from minority groups.

Applications for the vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your application.

Only applications received before midday on Friday 21 February 2025 can be considered. Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date.

University of Oxford

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Head of Human Resources