Part-time HR Manager (Compliance & Operations)

Part-time HR Manager (Compliance & Operations)– Reading Students’ Union Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire Salary: Pro rata salary £21,087.51 (based on full time equivalent of £36,595.63) Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months)  Hours: Part-time 20 hours per week Closing date: 4th January 2026 A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!  About Reading Students’ Union We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy  [https://issuu.com/rusudocs/docs/reading_students_union_strategy_2025] The Role: Part-time HR Manager (Compliance & Operations)  Are you passionate about compliance, systems, and risk management? Do you thrive on detail, process improvement, and empowering managers to lead confidently? We’re looking for a HR Manager who will shape our HR operations for excellence. You’ll be part of our small but very busy team, where no two days are the same. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll manage complex HR processes, develop robust systems, and provide strategic insight to keep us ahead of the curve. You’ll also support a diverse range of teams, including our commercial venues team, nursery staff, career staff, student-staff, interns and apprentices, ensuring tailored HR solutions. What You'll do:  Compliance & Risk Management * Lead on employment law, contracts, employee relations, IR35, right-to-work checks, and HR audits. * Act as the HR lead for payroll operations and ensure GDPR compliance. HR Operations & Systems * Handle day-to-day HR queries and deliver excellent customer service. * Design and optimise workflows, SOPs, and HR processes for efficiency. * Maintain and develop accessible HR policies, templates, and resources for best practice and accessibility. * Manage technical queries (payroll, statutory leave, annual leave, contract changes). * Oversee multiple HR and payroll databases and leverage automation for accuracy and efficiency. * Deliver end-to-end recruitment for career staff, student staff, apprenticeships, and internships, including planning and fair selection. * Implement streamlined onboarding and offboarding processes, including exit interviews. * Manage reporting schedules (absence, turnover, new hires etc) for data driven insights and impact reporting. Employee Relations & Wellbeing * Coach and empower managers to confidently lead on disciplinaries, grievances, sickness absence, capability, and redundancy processes. * Support conflict resolution through mediation and coaching. * Develop disability support plans and manage occupational health referrals. Strategic HR * Support the Head of People & Culture in developing and implementing a new People Strategy and managing organisational change. * Drive continuous improvement and position the organisation as a sector leader. Collaboration & Leadership * Line manage an HR Coordinator, providing guidance and development. * Manage stakeholder relationships and deliver clear, engaging all-staff communications. About You Essential * CIPD Level 5. * Significant experience as an HR Manager in a busy environment, with the confidence to handle all complex issues that come your way and really 'own' the operations. * Proven ability to create processes—not just follow them—driving innovation and efficiency. * Strong knowledge of employment law and HR compliance. * Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. * Payroll experience. * Expert at prioritising competing priorities.  * Expert technical knowledge and skills for statutory leave, contracts, calculations, payroll, reporting and data analysis). * Resilient, detail-driven, and passionate about process improvement. * HR audit experience. * You think strategically.  * Organised, adaptable, and ready to make things happen. * Line management experience.  * Evidence of CPD.  Desirable  * CIPD Level 7. * Degree in Human Resources. * HR Consultancy experience. * HR Business Partner experience. * HR management experience in small to medium sized organisations. Why Join Us? * Inclusive and supportive team culture * Flexible working options * 35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days * Professional development opportunities * Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus. Ready to make our People Strategy a reality? Apply today! Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.