The opportunity

VCAD is looking for an experienced and commercially minded HR Assistant Manager to lead our people function across a growing, multi-campus higher education provider.

This is a broad and influential role combining strategic HR leadership with hands-on delivery. You will lead a small HR team, advise senior leaders and managers, shape VCAD’s people strategy and support the continued development of a professional, responsive and people-focused HR service.

You will also serve as a member of, and principal HR adviser to, VCAD’s Remuneration and Nominations Committee, chaired by an independent Governor.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver VCAD’s HR strategy and people priorities.
• Advise senior leaders and Governors on workforce planning, organisation design, succession, culture and people risk.
• Support the Remuneration and Nominations Committee on remuneration, senior appointments and succession matters.
• Lead employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and investigations.
• Coach and advise managers across the full range of people matters.
• Lead and continuously improve recruitment, onboarding and HR operations.
• Work and liaise with PEN’s HR team to coordinate and support any Associated Company within the PEN Group.
• Lead job evaluation, grading, performance management, learning and development, talent and succession planning.
• Develop and maintain compliant and effective HR policies and procedures.
• Promote staff wellbeing, engagement, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Lead and develop the HR team, including overseas-based support colleagues.
• Provide meaningful people data and reporting to senior management and VCAD governance bodies.
• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of personnel management, including payroll, pensions, rewards, communications, and related activities.
• Lead and manage employee payroll and pension schemes, working closely with the Accounts Department to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.
• Be flexible and show initiative, you may be required to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the Company.