HR Case Worker

Spirehouse Recruitment; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Excellent Pension (USS scheme)

Development and learning opportunities

Flexible working opportunities

Job summary

Spirehouse Recruitment is seeking an experienced HR Case Manager to join the University of Cambridge's Human Resources Division. The role involves managing complex employee relations cases and ensuring compliance with employment law and university policies.

Successful candidates will possess extensive HR experience, particularly in employee relations, and be skilled in leadership and communication. The position offers a hybrid work model with numerous benefits including a generous leave policy and excellent pension scheme.

Qualifications

• Extensive HR experience, particularly in employee relations within large organizations.
• Experience managing sensitive and high-risk employee relations cases.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing HR process improvements.
• Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous and high-risk situations.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex employee relations cases with appropriate outcomes.
• Support process improvement initiatives in HR practice.
• Coach and support managers in handling HR matters.

Skills

Employee relations management

Leadership skills

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

CIPD Chartered status or equivalent

Relevant HR or employment law qualification/degree

Tools

HR systems and IT tools

Job description

Hybrid (minimum 2 days a week in the office)

Organisation: University of Cambridge

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR professional to join the Human Resources Division as an HR Case Manager within the University of Cambridge.

This role focuses on delivering high-quality, consistent and legally compliant employee relations case management across a large and complex organisation. The postholder will play a key role in managing sensitive, high‑risk cases, supporting organisational processes and contributing to continuous improvement in HR practice.

The Opportunity

You will be responsible for managing a range of complex employee relations cases, ensuring appropriate outcomes in line with employment law, University policy and best practice.

The role includes proactively managing sensitive and high‑risk cases, supporting process improvement initiatives, and working closely with trade unions and key stakeholders to ensure fair and effective resolution of issues.

You will also contribute to coaching and supporting managers in handling HR matters, helping to build capability across the organisation while maintaining high professional standards.

Requirements

• Extensive HR experience, particularly in employee relations within large, complex organisations
• Experience managing sensitive and high‑risk employee relations cases proactively
• Proven track record in developing and implementing HR process improvements and initiatives
• Experience engaging effectively with trade unions and a range of stakeholders
• Strong leadership and management skills with a flexible, constructive approach
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities
• Ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills
• Strong organisation and prioritisation skills, with ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Experience delivering coaching and training to managers and colleagues
• Confident user of HR systems and IT tools
• Relevant HR or employment law qualification/degree or equivalent experience, with commitment to CPD
• Strong understanding of employment law and Employment Tribunal outcomes
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous and high‑risk situations
• Experience working within the NHS or Higher Education sector
• Experience in a large, multi‑stakeholder environment
• CIPD Chartered status or equivalent professional accreditation
• 41 days annual leave inclusive of public holidays
• Excellent Pension – You will automatically be enrolled to become a member of USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) – a hybrid pension scheme.
• The University salary structure includes automatic service‑related pay progression in many of its grades and an annual cost of living increase
• Financial, health and wellbeing and travel benefits
• Development and learning opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible working opportunities and commitment to work/life balance

How to Apply

Please apply online or contact Jack Sharpe or Abbie Carr at Spirehouse for a confidential discussion.

Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and promotes a diverse and inclusive recruitment process.