– Reading Students’ Union

Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire

Salary: Pro rata salary £21,087.51 (based on full time equivalent of £36,595.63)

Contract: Fixed term contract (12 months)

Hours: Part-time 20 hours per week

A role where you can innovate and make a real impact!

About Reading Students’ Union

We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy

The Role: Part-time HR Manager (Learning & Development)

Are you passionate about organisational development? Do you thrive on innovation and impact? We’re looking for a L&D Manager who will shape our continuous learning culture and align L&D initiatives with organisational goals.

You’ll be part of our small but very busy team, where no two days are the same. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll lead the charge in supporting a diverse range of teams, including our commercial venues team, nursery staff, career staff, student-staff, interns and apprentices, ensuring tailored L&D solutions.

What You'll do:

Strategic Planning & Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive L&D strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
Support organisational development initiatives and contribute to job design to ensure roles align with business needs and employee growth.
Develop the employer brand through learning initiatives and explore relevant accreditations (e.g., Investors in People, Great Place to Work) to enhance our reputation.

Learning Program Design & Delivery

Conduct Training Needs Analysis to identify skills gaps and future development requirements.
Personally design and deliver training sessions, workshops, and learning interventions to meet organisational needs.
Design and deliver blended learning programs: e‑learning, workshops, webinars, on-the-job training.
Develop and deliver management and leadership development programmes to build strong future leaders.
Develop and deliver new starter induction programs and monitor probation periods to ensure the right support and development is in place during those crucial first months.
Work with and engage external training providers as needed.
Manage logistics of training sessions.

Performance & Talent Management

Develop and manage performance appraisals, Personal Development Plans (PDPs), and individual training plans.
Provide performance coaching to managers and employees to enhance capability and drive high performance.
Facilitate talent development programs, including apprenticeship schemes, mentoring, succession planning and management training.

Budget & Compliance

Approve training requests and book external training within budget constraints.
Manage the L&D budget in collaboration with the Head of People; evaluate and engage third-party providers ensuring ROI and compliance.
Ensure mandatory training compliance, including health & safety regulations.

Change Management & Engagement

Support our change management initiatives by designing and delivering learning interventions that enable smooth transitions and adoption of new processes.
Lead internal communications and consultations related to learning and development, including staff surveys, feedback sessions, and engagement activities.

Essential

About You

CIPD Level 5.
Significant experience as an HR Manager/L&D specialist
You think strategically.
Organised, adaptable, and ready to make things happen.
You're an innovator.
Excellent communicator.
Project management skills.
Ability to coach and mentor.
You LOVE learning & development and organisational development
Evidence of CPD.
Proven experience in:
- Designing and delivering training programs (including management and leadership development).
- Developing induction programs and supporting probation processes.
- Performance management frameworks (training needs analysis, appraisals, PDPs, coaching, succession planning).
- Leading change management initiatives and employee engagement activities.
- Working with LMS platforms and digital learning tools.
- Working with external training providers.
- Creating processes—not just following them—driving innovation and efficiency.

Desirable

Coaching qualification.
CIPD Level 7.
Degree in Human Resources.
HR/L&D Consultancy experience.
Relevant experience in small to medium sized organisations.
Exposure to employer accreditation processes.

Why Join Us?

Inclusive and supportive team culture
Flexible working options
35 days annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
Professional development opportunities
Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.

Ready to make our People Strategy a reality? Apply today!

Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.

Reading Students' Union

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Part-time HR Manager (Learning & Development)