Hr Business Partner

Harlow College; Great Holland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days annual leave

Birthday day off

15 days extra paid time off at Easter/

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Harlow College is looking for an experienced HR Business Partner to support managers, leaders and staff across the organisation. You will provide expert guidance on employee relations, coach leaders, and deputise for the Executive Director of HR while delivering HR services across the College.

You will lead a busy HR function, ensure compliance with employment law, and drive continuous improvement, safeguarding, recruitment and data reporting.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent is required.
• Experience as HR Business Partner or senior HR generalist, preferably in Further Education or wider education.
• Proven ability to manage a busy employee relations caseload.
• Experience working with Trade Unions.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and its practical application.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice across employee relations including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management, organisational change and restructures.
• Coach and support senior leaders to build high‑performing teams and navigate complex people issues.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of HR and lead the operational delivery of HR services.
• Oversee the employee lifecycle, recruitment, HR compliance, data reporting and safeguarding.
• Lead and develop the HR team, fostering continuous improvement and outstanding customer service.

Skills

CIPD level 5 or equivalent

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Education

CIPD Level 5 or higher

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join Harlow College as an HR Business Partner, playing a key role in supporting our managers, leaders and staff across the whole organisation. As part of a forward-thinking HR team, you will be at the heart of driving positive workplace culture, organisational effectiveness and exceptional people practices.

We're looking for an experienced and proactive HR professional who thrives on building strong relationships, managing complex employee relations matters and partnering with leaders to deliver successful outcomes. If you're looking for a role where your expertise, ideas and influence will truly matter, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As HR Business Partner, you will provide expert advice and guidance across the full spectrum of employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management, organisational change and restructures.

Working closely with senior leaders and managers, you will coach, challenge and support them to build high-performing teams, navigate complex people issues and ensure compliance with employment legislation and College policies.

This is an influential role with significant responsibility. You will deputise for the Executive Director of HR when required and lead the operational delivery of HR services across the College. From overseeing the employee lifecycle, recruitment and HR compliance to data reporting and safeguarding, you will help ensure our people processes are effective, compliant and fit for the future.

You will also lead and develop the HR team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and outstanding customer service.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will:

• Be CIPD qualified to at least Level 5.
• Have extensive current experience operating within an HR Business Partner or equivalent senior generalist HR role, ideally within Further Education or the wider education sector.
• Be experienced in managing a busy employee relations caseload.
• Have experience of working effectively with Trade Unions.
• Possess extensive knowledge of employment law and its practical application.
• Demonstrate significant experience managing complex disciplinary, grievance, organisational change and restructuring processes.
• Have experience of leading, coaching and developing staff.

What We Can Offer

In return, you'll join a supportive organisation that is committed to investing in its people. We will support your continued professional development.

Our excellent benefits package includes:

• 35 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• A day off for your birthday.
• Additional 15 days of paid time off at Easter and Christmas.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and support.

Don't delay applying as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

Closing Date: Monday 28 September 2026

Harlow College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer and an Investors in Diversity Silver Award holder, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and communities.