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Proposed interview date: Initial Teams Interviews w/c 24th November with second round interviews in person w/c 1st December 2025

Optimistic - Equity - Kindness - Innovation - Collaboration

Derby College Group (DCG) are recruiting for an experienced Human Resources Operation Manager to join our high performing HR team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and manage the HR Operations function, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused HR service. This role includes strategic oversight of HR operational processes, compliance, and systems, as well as direct line management of a team of Associate HR Business Partners responsible for managing a diverse caseload across the organisation, whilst driving continuous improvement across all HR operations.

This role will involve hybrid working, including working across sites according to operational needs, and some home working.

For any questions regarding the role or team before applying, please reach out to hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.

Please note that, in accordance with Further Education regulations, we are unable to accept CVs. Your application will be assessed solely based on the information provided in the application form. Kindly ensure that all relevant details are included within this document.

The Opportunity

You will lead the HR Operations team to deliver consistent and effective HR services across the employee lifecycle from onboarding to exit, as well as overseeing HR systems and data integrity, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with statutory requirements. You’ll also develop and implement HR policies and procedures aligned with sector regulations and best practice, and ensure timely and compliant processing of contracts, payroll inputs, and employment changes.

About you

We’re seeking someone with proven experience in HR operations within the education or public sector, as well as strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. This role will include a strong focus on Employee Relations and UK Visa & Immigration compliance, so strong experience in these areas is a must.

Experience managing HR casework and leading a team are essential, as are excellent communication, coaching, and influencing skills. It is essential that you hold CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience.

The Benefits

• Salary of £46,672 per annum
• Fantastic Annual Leave allowance of 35 days per year plus 6 College closure days where applicable and 8 statutory days
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
• Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
• TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
• Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
• Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
• Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
• Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
• Continuous development and progression opportunities
• Free eye tests with Specsavers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.

For any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.

Safeguarding statement

DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is also completed to help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

If you require visa sponsorship

Please note that unfortunately, this role is ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.

Recruitment Agencies - We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Human Resources

Industries: Education Administration Programs