Job Description

The Department of Engineering Science is one of the largest research and teaching departments in the University, and a diverse, innovative and vibrant community with strong links with computer science, materials science, and medicine.

This new and wide-ranging role presents an excellent opportunity to join a thriving academic department. You will be a proactive, experienced and innovative leader with a sound background in HR Strategy. A strong people manager and effective communicator, you will be responsible for the delivery of high-quality HR and engagement support across the Department of Engineering

The role

Reporting to the Head of Finance and Administration, you will work closely with them, the academic Associate Head of Department (People) and other academic leaders to devise and take forward initiatives to promote and strengthen staff management, engagement, and communication across the department. You will provide leadership for the development of initiatives to promote cultural change and will support work to develop and promote the Department's values.

You will support and develop the professional HR staff to engage proactively with managers across the department and to become trusted business partners. You will actively lead the improvement of systems and processes with an ethos of continuous improvement. You will work particularly closely with your peers in finance and research administration to ensure that recruitment and on-going contracts for research staff are effectively managed. You will 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.

What we are looking for

To thrive in this varied and engaging role, we are looking for someone with:

Significant experience of providing professional HR services within a complex organisation, and of leading an effective HR support function.

Demonstrable experience of effective staff management - with the ability to lead and manage staff. Demonstrated capacity and willingness to develop, guide and motivate others.

An understanding of communication tools and approaches, and experience of staff engagement and wider communication.

An ability to develop and maintain excellent professional working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including senior colleagues. To present a credible profile with the ability to influence and guide the decisions and actions of others.

Why Choose Us

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits we provide, including:

Flexible Hybrid Working: A work setup that combines office and remote work.

Excellent Contributory Pension Scheme: We help you plan for your future.

Generous Annual Leave: 38 days of annual leave.

Comprehensive Childcare Services: We support your family needs.

Family Leave Schemes: Ensuring work-life balance.

Cycle Loan Scheme: Promoting eco-friendly transportation.

Membership to Various Social and Sports Clubs: Be part of vibrant communities.

Discounted Bus Travel and Season Ticket Travel Loans: Making your commute more affordable.

Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives and community-building efforts.

Support for continued, life-long learning and career development.


The University also hosts a multitude of social groups and sports clubs for those seeking more than just a great place to work.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a cover letter/supporting statement which details how you meet each of the selection criteria, a CV and the details of three referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is the 1st July

2025

at 12:00 noon.

Interviews will take place on the 11th July

2025

and will be

in-person

.