HR Business Partner

University of Bristol; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university in London is seeking two experienced HR Business Partners for their Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Health. The roles involve advising on operational HR management and developing corporate policies. One position is full-time until July 2026, while the other is part-time for six months. Candidates should have extensive HR experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage varied caseloads in a complex environment. Benefits include generous leave and a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

40 days annual leave

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Inclusive culture valuing diversity

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner with a strong understanding of complex environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey information clearly.
• Ability to manage demanding caseloads while partnering with diverse managers.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with key managers to support strategic objectives.
• Lead workforce planning and analyze HR management information.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations issues.
• Advise on employment legislation and communicate HR policies.
• Support academic procedures at School and Faculty levels.

Skills

HR Business Partner experience

Understanding of higher education

Excellent communication skills

Ability to manage caseloads

Flexibility and collaboration

Job description

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We are seeking two experienced HR Business Partners to join our teams supporting the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

In this busy, varied role, you will advise managers at all levels on operational HR management and contribute to developing corporate HR policies to achieve our HR Strategy and University Plan. HR is highly valued at the University, and you will work closely with stakeholders within the Faculty who will seek your input and advice.

We are recruiting at both HR Business Partner levels (Grade I and J) and will appoint based on skills and experience. The Grade I role is for those with less experience in business partnering and will require more support. The senior role is suited to individuals with significant HR Business Partner experience, capable of operating autonomously, managing complex casework, and leading large-scale restructuring and organizational change initiatives.

One role is full-time (35 hrs/week) until 31st July 2026, with consideration for applicants willing to work at least 0.7 FTE (24.5 hrs/week). The second role is part-time (28 hrs/week) for six months.

As these are fixed-term contracts, we seek candidates who can adapt quickly and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

What will you be doing?

Working with your designated Faculty area, you will build strong relationships with key managers to support strategic objectives. Collaborating with the local finance team, you will lead workforce planning and analyze HR management information. You will also manage organizational reviews and support the delivery of academic procedures at both School and Faculty levels.

The role includes advising on employment legislation and communicating and implementing new or updated HR policies and procedures. A key responsibility is providing expert advice, guidance, and support on employee relations issues, including misconduct, underperformance, attendance, and capability matters.

You should apply if

You have proven experience in a similar HR Business Partner role, with a strong understanding of higher education or a comparable complex environment. You are skilled at managing demanding caseloads and partnering effectively with managers at all levels. A flexible, collaborative approach and a commitment to a supportive team culture are essential.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required to convey complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

In return, the University offers:

• 40 days of annual leave per year (including bank holidays)
• Automatic enrollment into a competitive pension scheme
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• An inclusive, diverse, and welcoming culture