Recruitment and HR Operations Manager

Job title: Recruitment and HR Operations Manager

Department: Human Resources

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade:  Grade 8

Salary: £51,902.57 - £61,048.57 per annum inclusive of London Allowance.

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35 per week

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

The Recruitment and HR Operations Manager is responsible for leading the Recruitment and HR Operations Teams, processes, policies, communications, and for implementing the people strategies in this area to ensure that we deliver an effective employee experience for colleagues on the full employment lifecycle. This is an exciting time to join the recruitment and HR operations team and lead our work developing the customer experience in this area.

Reporting into the Deputy HR Director – HR Services, the Recruitment and HR Operations Manager is a part of the HR Management Team and provides advice and support on recruitment and operational HR matters to the team. They will also lead or support institutional projects and are also personally responsible for senior recruitment campaigns working closely with HR Business Partners and Executive Search Agencies. 

About the Department

The HR team is modernising its systems and processes to become a high-performing people team that supports SOAS's mission. Join our welcoming team to contribute to daily operations while helping shape our future—a growth opportunity for both SOAS and you.

The Recruitment and HR Operations team manages all university recruitment and operational HR administration. We partner with managers and HR colleagues to provide expert guidance on recruitment, selection, and contractual changes, while administering the complete employment lifecycle for all SOAS employees across our systems.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future

You will also find information about SOAS’ location in historic Bloomsbury as well as the benefits of working in Higher Education. 

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement, clearly demonstrating how you fit the role and what you will bring to the team. 

The supporting statement should set out how your qualifications, experience and training meet each of the selection criteria. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as "Please see attached CV" will not be considered acceptable. 

Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date.

Closing date: 09th November 2025                               

Interviews to be held: TBC

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

This role will be primarily office based at 10 Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London (minimum 2 days per week working from the office).

If you have any questions about the role or require any assistance regarding the application process, please contact

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006'. ‘Successful candidates must be based in the UK for the duration of their contract. ‘must be based in the UK – for the duration of their contract

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, the Global South, Black, Asian or other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.