People and Culture (HR) Manager

People and Culture (HR) Manager

We’re looking for someone with the passion to help create a place where people feel supported, valued and able to do their best work. You'll work alongside managers and colleagues across the Guild, building trusted relationships, offering practical advice and continually improving how we support our people. From helping managers navigate the tricky moments to shaping fair, inclusive and people-centred ways of working, you'll play a key role in creating a positive colleague experience. If you enjoy solving problems, making things better and helping people succeed, you'll thrive in this role. Together with the wider People & Culture team, you'll help build an organisation where our people can flourish, so they can make a real difference for Exeter students.

The Role

Role:  People and Culture Manager
Hours: 35 per week (to be worked flexibly)
Salary:  Starting at £38,733.82 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Location: Exeter/Hybrid

Who are we?

Exeter Students’ Guild is the University of Exeter’s students’ union, led by students for students. We’re an independent charity, offering a wide range of opportunities, services and support to help students get the most out of their unique journeys at university. This includes everything from social activities to making sure things are going well on their academic course. We have over 300 student groups and all of our work is led by, and in the best interest of our members.

The Guild is a truly rewarding place to work. Our talented and passionate staff make a real difference to the lives of students every single day, working together to achieve the Guild’s purpose: to shape an excellent student experience for all students at Exeter by empowering them to take their place in the world and make a positive difference. We are looking for people who recognise that the Guild is student-led and share a genuine passion for student engagement and empowerment. If you share a commitment to our values and want to be part of a radically inclusive organisation with a seriously exciting future ahead, we can’t wait to hear from you.

What will you bring?

• You'll have some experience in providing trusted HR advice across the employee lifecycle, including supporting managers with employee relations and a broad range of people matters.
• You'll be able to build strong relationships, communicate with confidence and empathy, and provide practical, balanced advice that helps people find the best way forward.
• You know how to use people data, systems and insight to continuously improve the colleague experience and support effective, values-led decision making.

To view the role profile and to find out more about working with us and how we support our students LOVE Exeter, please visit our website. 

We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced family pay, at least 6-weeks’ holiday, sustainable travel incentives, access to exclusive discounts and perks and a free confidential advice service. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy balance between your work and home life through a real commitment to flexible and hybrid working. We also provide access to great development opportunities, including a personal development budget for you to spend on sharpening your skills. We’ll also help you to gain valuable experience, ensuring that you have opportunities to grow your career both here at the Guild and beyond. 

Inclusion is central to the Guild. We approach our work collaboratively, empower our people and celebrate our uniqueness. If you’re driven to empower others and achieve great things, you’ll fit right in. Our people are proud of who they are and value each other’s differences, and we are committed to creating a diverse community that is radically inclusive of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

How to Apply? 

Application timeline:

• Closing Date:  9am 25th August 2026
• Shortlisting: 25th August 2026   
• Interviews will be held on: 2nd September 2026

Please submit your application via our recruitment portal. You will need to provide an up-to-date copy of your CV, and answer the following questions related to the person specification for the role:

• What is your understanding of our values, and how would you use them to shape People & Culture at the Guild? 
• Tell us about a change or improvement you have introduced to an HR process, service or way of working. What did you do, and what difference did it make?
• Tell us about your experience of supporting managers with employee relations and other HR matters. What types of issues have you supported, and what was your role?

Please note:

• We will contact you to let you know the outcome of your application. This can sometimes take a few days.
• You must be able to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before starting work with us. We are not currently able to sponsor employees requiring a visa.
• Applications received after the above closing date will not be considered.

A message from your new Manager

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowtell, Head of Organisational Development

If you'd like an informal chat with me to find out more about the role, the team and what we’re looking for in our People & Culture Manager, you can get in touch using the details found onour website.