The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

In this exciting and fast paced role, you’ll gain valuable experience working within a diverse and experienced HR function in a large and dynamic organisation.

As HR Assistant you'll play a key role in providing an efficient, effective and knowledgeable HR service to managers and staff on a wide range of HR matters including, but not limited to, recruitment, onboarding, employee relations and payroll.

By working across different areas and with our highly creative teams of HR professionals, you will expand and develop your knowledge of HR , for example, in relation to employment law, visas and immigration, policies and procedures, and by supporting case work, via note-taking.

As a champion for continuous improvement, you will help us to enhance our excellent reputation for supporting colleagues throughout their career at the University.

If you're keen to embark on, or further your career in HR then this is the role for you.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Proactively support our dedicated recruiters in School’s/Departments by providing valuable support and advice on a wide range of HR policies and procedures
• Process a variety of documentation using templates, for example, recruitment, new contracts and contractual changes
• Support the University’s talent attraction by reviewing and processing job descriptions via our electronic recruitment system (SuccessFactors Recruiting)
• Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria for new starters, including managing UKVI visa processes and process DBS checks
• Use the University staff system, uBase (SAP), to create and maintain accurate HR/Payroll records/data, ensuring we meet procedural and legislative requirements
• Build relationships and work collaboratively with departmental contacts and associated departments such as Payroll and Pensions
• Use problem solving skills to proactively contribute to optimising workflows and streamline processes
• Support HR Business Partnering with note taking at formal disciplinary and capability meetings
• Manage your workload, prioritising tasks to ensure work is completed in a timely manner and deadlines are met
• Work to deadlines independently and as part of your team
• Contribute to the effective delivery of the HR Strategy and key organisational priorities supporting the University's vision
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post. 

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 3 November 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennie Gladwin on j.m.gladwin@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.