Heriot-Watt University Student Union
Heriot-Watt University Student Union
Heriot-Watt University Student Union is an independent, democratic, student-led non-profit serving more than 10,000 students across three campuses in Scotland. Its work extends beyond academic life, combining student representation and support with hospitality and food and beverage services, advice resources, events, societies, volunteering, and personal development opportunities. Through initiatives such as The Advice Hub and its programme of activities, the Union helps students engage with university life, access practical guidance, and build connections across the Heriot-Watt community.

HR Shared Operations Consultant

Support HR operations at Heriot-Watt University across employee administration, immigration and payroll. Manage contracts, Right to Work checks, family leave and HR data.

Description

  • Prepare and issue contracts for permanent and temporary staff across academic and professional services teams, including professorial appointments.
  • Support new and current staff with onboarding, job offers, immigration and Right to Work requirements.
  • Maintain accurate pay and contract records in the Cloud ERP system and meet payroll deadlines.
  • Support Skilled Worker and Global Talent visa applications.
  • Respond to current staff visa and Right to Work questions, complete checks and track visa expiry dates.
  • Calculate family leave entitlements and advise staff on maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
  • Track contract end dates and support changes to employment terms and conditions.
  • Handle HR enquiries by phone, email, in person and through the HR Helpdesk.
  • Answer contract questions, including those about annual leave and sickness absence.
  • Gather, analyse and present data from University systems for People Partners and other stakeholders.
  • Document and improve HR Operations processes.
  • Reconcile annual pay changes, including awards, increments and real living wage adjustments.
  • Carry out other reasonable duties within the grade and scope of the role.

Requirements

  • Education to SCQF Level 6 or equivalent, or comparable experience.
  • Substantial experience in a similar role, particularly handling different terms and conditions.
  • Substantial experience with UKVI immigration and visa requirements.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, Outlook and Excel.
  • Experience with UKVI legislation and compliance is desirable.
  • Advanced Excel skills and digital proficiency are desirable.
  • Experience using Oracle HR and the ability to troubleshoot or find workarounds are desirable.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • A professional approach and the ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a changing, pressured environment.
  • Strong written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Ability to explain information clearly and concisely to non-technical audiences.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • A flexible, professional approach and discretion when handling sensitive personal data.

Benefits

  • 28 days of annual leave pro rata, plus 9 University closure days each year and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday.
  • Automatic enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • University pension contribution of 23.8% of annual salary.
  • Sick pay of up to 6 months at full pay and 6 months at half pay, depending on length of service.
  • Hybrid working, with 2–3 days per week from home.
  • Flexible start and finish times.
  • Free parking.
  • Discounted sports provision.
  • Career development opportunities.
  • Access to vacancies advertised internally only.
  • Staff discounts on products and services, including software and travel.
  • Childcare vouchers.
  • Cycle to Work scheme.
  • Give As You Earn scheme.
  • Tuition fee remission, subject to criteria.
  • Flexible working patterns, including part-time work and job sharing.

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