HR Manager

JBS Executive Education Ltd; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected education provider in Cambridge seeks an HR Manager to lead the HR function, focusing on developing a high-performance culture. The ideal candidate has generalist HR experience, CIPD qualifications, and a strong understanding of UK employment law. Key responsibilities include recruitment, performance management, and advising senior leadership. This full-time hybrid role offers a salary of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum with a minimum of two office days required each week.

Qualifications

• Substantial generalist HR management experience in a complex environment.
• Proven ability to coach managers and lead organisational change.
• Confident in handling sensitive HR casework.

Responsibilities

• Lead all HR activities including recruitment and performance management.
• Advise on people strategy and workforce planning.
• Manage employee relations issues with professionalism.

Skills

Generalist HR management experience

Commercial awareness

Ability to influence senior leaders

Knowledge of UK employment law

Familiarity with academic HR frameworks

Education

CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience

Job description

About the Role:

As an HR Manager, you will change leaders who change the world by coaching, supporting, and empowering the team behind executive education, creating the environment, capability, and culture they need to develop exceptional leaders who make a global impact.

We are seeking an exceptional HR Manager to lead the full HR function across JBSEEL. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high-performing, commercially minded people culture within a dynamic business unit at one of the world’s most respected Universities.

Reporting to the Director of Executive Education (with a dotted line to the Head of People, CJBS), you will be the trusted professional advisor on all HR matters, combining strategic insight with hands‑on operational delivery. You will ensure that HR services reflect both JBSEEL’s commercial pace and the rigour of University compliance standards.

Main Responsibilities:

• Leading all HR activity across JBSEEL, including recruitment, performance management, employee relations, reward, and HR policy;
• Advising senior leadership on people strategy, workforce planning and organisational design, using data-driven insights to support decision‑making;
• Shaping and reinforcing a high‑performance, accountable and commercially focused culture;
• Managing complex employee relations issues with professionalism, sound judgement and discretion;
• Streamlining HR processes and embedding efficient, modern systems to improve service quality and impact;
• Collaborating closely with University HR, CJBS HR colleagues and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, compliant and effective HR practice;
• Overseeing learning and development, coaching interventions, onboarding, and staff engagement initiatives;
• Contribute effectively to JBSEEL values and team activities;
• Participate in and contribute to special projects where relevant.

About you:

Our ideal candidate should have the following qualities, skills and attributes:

• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience);
• Substantial generalist HR management experience, ideally within a complex, multi‑stakeholder or commercial–academic environment;
• Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding, with the ability to balance empathy and business needs;
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders, coach managers and lead organisational change;
• Confident handling sensitive and complex casework, with deep knowledge of HR policy and UK employment law;
• A proactive, resilient and solutions‑driven professional who works at pace and with integrity;
• Familiarity with University of Cambridge HR frameworks or experience in an executive education context would be advantageous.

Other Information:

This is a full‑time, permanent position. There will be a nine‑month probationary period. Salary will be in the range of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum. Working hours are 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid role, with a current company‑wide requirement of a minimum of two working days from our office in Cambridge; however the successful candidate will be expected to attend the office more regularly than this should business demand require. Flexible working patterns and schedules are supported.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 1 February 2026.