HR Business Partner

HARLOW COLLEGE; Harlow; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 35 days

Birthday day off

Easter/Christmas leave

Wellbeing initiatives

Flexible working

Job summary

Harlow College is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to support managers and staff across the organisation. You will provide expert guidance on employee relations, performance management, absence management and policy compliance, partnering with leaders to build a high-performing culture.

You will lead the HR team, deputise for the Executive Director of HR when required, oversee recruitment, data reporting and safeguarding, and drive continuous improvement and outstanding customer

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or higher qualification.
• Extensive HRBP/generalist experience in education.
• Experience handling complex employee relations cases.
• Knowledge of employment law and its practical application.
• Experience with leading staff and coaching teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance across employee relations including disciplinary, grievance, performance management and absence management.
• Partner with senior leaders to build high-performing teams and ensure policy compliance.
• Lead operational delivery of HR services across the College and deputise for the Executive Director of HR.
• Oversee employee lifecycle, recruitment, HR data reporting and safeguarding; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

CIPD Level 5

HR Business Partner

Employee relations

Employment law

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPD qualification

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.

Ready to Join Us?

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.

About us

We are a Further Education College offering a mix of A Levels, vocational courses, T Levels, Apprenticeships, HNC/HNDs and HTQs, as well as adult and part-time courses. We are graded Good by Ofsted and have won awards for our innovative approach to learning.

We were the first college in the UK to be given Apple Distinguished School status for our pioneering approach to the use of new technology. We also have a campus at Stansted Airport which is the first of it's kind in the country offering our students a unique opportunity for a career in the aviation industry.

Some of the Fantastic Benefits

Annual leave

Flexible Working

Maternity and Paternity Leave

CPD

Cycle to work scheme

• Dexter - Teacher
  of Business
• Why Harlow College?

The flexibility and trust I've been given by my line manager and the College has been invaluable. As a modern father and teacher, being supported with flexible working has allowed me to do the school run and stay actively involved in my children’s daily lives, while still growing and developing in my role as an educator. That balance isn’t always easy for men to access in the workplace, and I’ve genuinely felt seen and supported here at Harlow College.

• Why Harlow College?

Harlow College has empowered me to unlock my potential and share my expertise with students. I was first given the chance to contribute as an exam invigilator, which then led to a teaching apprenticeship. Recognising my experience from abroad, this institution embodies true equality, diversity, and inclusion. Surrounded by dedicated and compassionate professionals, I am proud to contribute to a community that transforms lives and shapes futures.

• Dawn – Teacher Stansted Academy
• Why Harlow College?

I belong here because this college values inclusion and empowers me to thrive. With support from Access to Work, I’ve been able to make the adjustments I need to do my job confidently and effectively. Being part of a team that embraces diversity and supports every individual’s potential makes me proud to teach and grow here.