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

Based in the HR Business Partnering and Employee Relations Team, this role is an excellent opportunity for you to start or grow your career as a HR Adviser. Working within a small, supportive team, you will deliver a high-quality HR service, providing expert support and guidance across the entire employee lifecycle. This involves building strong relationships with University managers and staff in our schools and departments, and working with team members to deliver solutions to diverse employment situations.

In this fast-paced role you will be encouraged to work both independently and as part of a team. You will work closely alongside colleagues, developing the skills needed to manage risk and contribute to initiatives that enhance the University’s performance through HR policy and practice. The role requires you to be flexible, decisive and results focused.

You should have a strong interest in developing your knowledge of employment legislation and best practice. Excellent organisation and communication skills are essential, along with a proactive attitude and a desire to learn how to apply HR expertise effectively within a complex work environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Work within a small team to deliver an outcome focused HR service covering a wide range of people management issues including employee relations, workforce planning, change management and recruitment and selection
• Act as a recognised source of professional employment advice for all types of HR queries within the University, ensuring that the University’s employment policies and procedures are implemented effectively and in line with employment law, seeking advice and guidance from senior colleagues as and when needed
• Proactively support HR colleagues, line managers and other University staff in managing casework. This will include involvement in disciplinary and grievance procedures, working with and supporting University managers in conducting investigations, sickness absence management and participation in relevant panels
• Support managers, schools and departments in their use of the University’s reward and recognition framework
• Work within the team to contribute to annual University HR processes such as reward and recognition and probation
• Support change management processes, including the development of consultation documents, supporting individual meetings and the redeployment of staff at risk
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of HR practice and the development of policies and procedures through involvement in project work
• Undertake project work that contributes more broadly to the University, in order to broaden understanding of the organisation and develop a broader HR skill set
• Develop and adopt a solution focussed and pragmatic approach that delivers positive outcomes for the organisation
• 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 are 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

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2025. This will consist of an interview and test/activity. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage during w/c 1 December. 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 at 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.