Part-time HR Manager (Learning & Development)– 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.

About You

Essential

• 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.