HR Operations Officer

Job title: HR Operations Officer

Department: Human Resources

Contract Type: Permanent (Successful candidate must be based in the UK)

Grade: 6

Salary: £35,749.57 to £42,207.57 per annum inclusive of London Allowance.

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: 35

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

You will provide excellent operational HR advice, support, and guidance to managers and staff across SOAS and acts as the first point of contact for employees. You will take ownership of and proactively support the administration of all aspects of HR operations for your area, with a focus on customer experience from the point of view of employees.

You will be responsible for implementing employee variations of contract and other changes across the employee lifecycle, as well as implementing processes and procedures such as UKVI compliance, maternity and sickness pay, other employee benefits, and employment related legislation. It ensures the HR databases (VT and ResourceLink) are up to date and accurate. 

The team also provide administrative services to deliver mandatory training, budget management, support annual exercises such as discretionary pay increases, and one-off projects such as restructures. 

About the Department

The Recruitment and HR Operations Team is also transforming its operations to support SOAS’ strategic plans. We are working to enhance the recruitment and selection service for both Academic and Professional Services roles, introducing new ways of working, increasing automation of processes and other process improvement, and delivering on key performance metrics, to ensure the service is efficient, effective, and timely.

About you

You will hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and a CIPD level 5 qualification or equivalent significant HR professional experience. You will also have understanding of employee lifecycle changes and experience of processing high-volume employment contractual documentation ideally within Higher Education and a detailed working knowledge of UK employment contract and immigration regulations.

You will be a strong administrator, with the resilience and tenacity to manage conflicting priorities, the ability to use multiple HR and IT systems simultaneously, along with a strong eye for detail.

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, 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 5 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
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

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: 2nd January 2026 by 23:59                              

Interviews to be held: January 2026

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

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.

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

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.