HR Case Manager

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced HR Case Manager to lead complex employee relations casework within the HR Case Management team. You will provide expert advice, manage high-risk cases, and ensure decisions are fair and compliant with policy and law.

Working with HR Business Partners, managers and Legal Services, you will assess risk, support tribunals when required, and contribute to policy development and service improvement across the HR function.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in employee relations within a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to manage high-risk and sensitive casework.
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law.
• Excellent communication, judgement and influencing skills.
• A proactive, organised and solution-focused approach.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Managing a portfolio of complex and sensitive employee relations cases.
• Providing expert advice on employment law, policy and best practice.
• Assessing risk and supporting Employment Tribunal activity where required.
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders, including HRBPs and trade unions.
• Coaching managers and contributing to training and guidance.
• Supporting continuous improvement of HR case management processes.

Skills

Employee relations

Employment law

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Influencing

Education

CIPD qualification

Job description

We are looking for an experienced HR professional to join the University of Cambridge as an HR Case Manager, specialising in complex employee relations casework.

This is a key role within the HR Case Management team, providing expert advice and managing a portfolio of sensitive and high-risk cases across the University.

We encourage early applications as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.

About the role

You will manage complex formal employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, appeals and Employment Tribunals, ensuring they are handled fairly, consistently and in line with policy and employment law.

Working closely with HR Business Partners, managers, trade unions and Legal Services, you will assess risk, provide expert advice, and support effective resolution of cases.

You will also contribute to policy development, service improvement and knowledge sharing across the HR community.

What you will be doing

• Managing a portfolio of complex and sensitive employee relations cases
• Providing expert advice on employment law, policy and best practice
• Assessing risk and supporting Employment Tribunal activity where required
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders, including HRBPs and trade unions
• Coaching managers and contributing to training and guidance
• Supporting continuous improvement of HR case management processes

We are looking for someone who has

• Strong experience in employee relations within a complex organisation
• Proven ability to manage high-risk and sensitive casework
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law
• Excellent communication, judgement and influencing skills
• A proactive, organised and solution-focused approach
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience

Please review the 'Further Information' document for more details of the role and the skills we are seeking.

Why join us?

Alongside working in a collaborative and supportive environment, the University of Cambridge offers a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Development opportunities such as LinkedIn Learning, job shadowing and career pathways.
• 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and a highly competitive pension scheme.
• Hybrid working with flexibility in how you arrange your office days.
• A wide range of discounts at local retailers and thousands of national brands.
• Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym access and the Staff Counselling Service.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.

Closing date: Friday 30 October 2026

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.