HR Consultant

Cambridge University Press & Assessment; Hartford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the UK is seeking an HR Consultant to deliver effective operational people partnering activities. This role involves working closely with managers to foster effective leadership and inclusive practices. Candidates should have HR advisory experience and a commitment to professional development. Benefits include 28 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a discretionary annual bonus. Applications close on January 9, 2026.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Group personal pension scheme

Life assurance up to 4× annual salary

Green travel schemes

Qualifications

• Experience supporting managers in employee relations issues
• Ability to assess manager capability and identify skill gaps
• Confidence in interpreting qualitative and quantitative data

Responsibilities

• Promote effective leadership and inclusive people practices
• Collaborate with People & Culture to deliver aligned services
• Provide advice on policies and employment practices

Skills

HR advisory experience

Data interpretation

Continuous improvement mindset

Discretion and diplomacy

Tools

HR information systems (e.g., Workday)

Job description

About the role

As a HR Consultant you will support and deliver operational people partnering activities. You will work closely with managers and employees to assist them in delivering effective people leadership and practices.

Location & Contract

• Location: Cambridge (minimum 2 days a week in the office)
• Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment – 1 year
• Hours: Full time – 35 hours per week
• Hybrid: 40-60% face‑to‑face collaboration at the dedicated office location

Responsibilities

• Promote effective leadership and inclusive people practices with managers and employees.
• Collaborate with People & Culture to deliver people products and services aligned with strategic goals.
• Provide confident, clear advice on policies and employment practices to help managers become self‑sufficient.
• Use data and insights to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a sense of belonging across the workforce through collaboration, innovation and accountability.

Qualifications

• HR advisory experience supporting managers to manage employee relations issues such as absence and performance.
• Ability to assess manager capability and identify skill gaps, providing targeted support.
• Continuous improvement mindset using innovative approaches to solve problems.
• Confidence interpreting and presenting qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions.
• Discretion and diplomacy when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• Experience working in a large, complex, or matrixed organisation.
• Exposure to global or multi‑country environments.
• Familiarity with HR information systems (e.g., Workday).
• Understanding of project and change management principles.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Group personal pension scheme
• Life assurance up to 4 × annual salary
• Green travel schemes

Interview Process

Screening call – 20 minutes;
Final stage interview – in‑person at our Cambridge offices.

EEO & Diversity

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is a Disability Confident (DC) employer committed to equal opportunity, ensuring a recruitment process that is accessible to all. Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is only provided for positions lasting 12 months or longer.

Closing Date

Applications will close on Friday 9 January 2026. We will review applications on an ongoing basis.