Overview

There is more to the RCN than you might think. We’re a trade union with a membership of over half a million nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students. We support practice, represent members, lobby on their behalf, and develop them. We exist to make a positive difference to the working lives of our members and ultimately to standards in patient care. Our employees come from many walks of life — we are nurses, marketers and communicators, administrators, IT professionals, policy and finance experts, lawyers… together we are so much more. We couldn’t do what we do without our people.

We’re accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.

Role

As our HR Systems Manager you’ll use your HR proficiency and technical skills to deploy, maintain and optimise our systems, in particular our iTrent HR and payroll system. You’ll develop and use our systems and data to generate insights to inform strategic decision‑making and drive improvements.

To join us you’ll need advanced technical knowledge and experience managing HR and payroll systems, in particular iTrent, as well as generalist HR knowledge and a working knowledge of payroll legislation. You’ll be able to use your experience of project management and stakeholder engagement to turn business requirements into technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, maintain and optimise the iTrent HR and payroll system and related HR systems.
• Develop and use systems and data to generate insights for strategic decision‑making and service improvements.
• Lead project management and stakeholder engagement to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

What we offer

• Impressive range of benefits, learning and development opportunities, and an award‑winning health and wellbeing programme.
• Annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays and three additional days for the Christmas break; generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages.
• Competitive pay structure with annual progression; new employees start at the first point of the salary range, with potential for a higher starting salary depending on skills and experience.
• Flexible working to support work‑life balance; hybrid model with up to 60% home working and at least 40% in person.

Selection process

Please click the ‘apply now’ button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. Your CV should be in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information in your application will be anonymised for shortlisting purposes. Interviews and assessments may be held in person or by video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.

Equal opportunities

Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us and we aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to our mission to enable you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by all UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients. We are a Disability Confident employer and actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

How to contact

Contact details: For more information or an informal discussion about the role please contact Melanie Smith, Head of People & OD at melanie.smith@rcn.org.uk. For information about the recruitment and selection process please contact recruit@rcn.org.uk.

Dates and hours

Opening date: 08 September 2025
Closing date: 11.59pm on 05 October 2025
If we receive many applications, we may close this vacancy earlier.
Selection date: 13 October 2025
Interview date: 13/10/2025
Contracted hours: 35