– 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.
