HR Business Partner

Shorefields; Harlow; Remote; GBP 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Easter/Christmas time-off

Generous pension scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Harlow College invites applications for an HR Business Partner to support managers, leaders and staff across the organisation. You will provide expert advice on employee relations and work with senior teams to drive positive workplace culture and organisational effectiveness.

The role deputises for the Executive Director of HR, leads HR services delivery, oversees recruitment and safeguarding, and develops the HR team.

Qualifications

• Be CIPD qualified to at least Level 5.
• Extensive experience in an HR Business Partner or senior HR generalist role (education sector preferred).
• Experience managing a busy employee relations caseload.
• Experience working with Trade Unions and employment law knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance across employee relations including disciplinary, grievance, performance and absence management, and restructures.
• Coach senior leaders to build high-performing teams and navigate complex people issues.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of HR and lead HR services delivery, recruitment, compliance and safeguarding.
• Develop and lead the HR team to foster continuous improvement and outstanding customer service.

Skills

CIPD Level 5

HRBP experience

Employee relations

TU experience

Employment law

Leading staff

Disciplinary & restructuring

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC0-697S Position Type: Administration Pay Range: Salary: £51,216 per annum

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 12/10/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: TBC

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

• 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.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and support.

Closing Date

Monday 12th October 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.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Recruitment Team
Velizy Avenue, Harlow
Essex, CM20 3EZ Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]