HR People Partner

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

9 buildings closed days

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a full-time HR People Partner to join the HR Directorate in Edinburgh. The role delivers expert HR advice, manages a varied employee relations caseload and supports policy development to align with the University's strategic goals.

With a Grade 7 salary of £38,448 to £48,337 per annum, the post offers 33 days annual leave plus 9 closed days, and a fixed-term 12-month contract.

Qualifications

• Educated to first degree level OR equivalent practical experience in the workplace.
• Associate member of CIPD OR equivalent relevant professional membership OR relevant experience.
• Proven experience as an HR practitioner applying HR theory to deliver effective people solutions.
• Good knowledge of employment legislation and HR governance, translating legal and policy requirements into practical solutions.
• Experience managing a varied and complex employee relations caseload including disciplinary, grievance, absence and organisational change matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide leaders with advice and guidance on employee relations cases including performance, grievance, absence and discipline.
• Identify issues early with leaders and implement preventative interventions.
• Coach managers to develop confidence and capability in managing people matters and apply policies consistently.
• Support the Strategic People Partner across designated client groups and deputise where appropriate.
• Build strong relationships with Trade Union representatives and across HR to deliver a joined-up service.
• Develop, review and improve HR policies, processes and guidance to align with university objectives and values.
• Lead people workstreams within strategic change programmes and support implementation of people-related changes.

Skills

Employee relations

Stakeholder management

Interpersonal communication

Organisational change

Education

First degree or equivalent experience

CIPD membership or equivalent

Tools

SAP / Oracle or ERP system

Job description

Role Title: HR People Partner

Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £38,448 - £48,337 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week) Fixed Term (12 Months)

Reward and Benefits : 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

An opportunity has arisen for a full-time HR People Partner to join our HR Directorate. The role provides a co-ordinated, effective and efficient HR partnering service, delivering expert advice and support aligned to organisational needs.

About our Team

The global HR function supports the University across all international campuses by creating consistent and effective people practices that also reflect local needs. We manage the full employee journey - from attracting and hiring great talent to onboarding, development, performance, and retention - making sure our people strategies align with the University’s global goals. Through our work in reward, engagement, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), we help create a positive employee experience and support the delivery of the University's strategic ambitions.

Purpose of Role

As a People Partner, you'll play a key role in shaping the employee experience across the University. Working closely with leaders, you'll provide expert advice and guidance on employee relations matters, managing a varied caseload and supporting positive outcomes for both colleagues and the University. You'll also contribute to the development of HR policies, processes and projects, helping to deliver an effective and responsive People service.

Beyond operational casework, you'll contribute to the development and continuous improvement of HR policies, processes and services, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and future-focused.

You may also lead people workstreams within strategic change programmes, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact on how we support and develop our people across the University.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing leaders with advice, challenge and guidance on all stages of employee relations cases which will include; performance, grievance, absence and discipline. Ensuring compliance with employment law and university policies and values
• Working proactively with leaders to identify issues early and implement preventative interventions
• Coach and support managers to develop their confidence and capability in managing people matters, promoting early resolution of issues and consistent application of University policies
• Supporting the Strategic People Partner across designated client groups and deputising where appropriate
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Trade Union representatives
• Working across and building strong relationships across the HR department to deliver a joined-up HR service
• Development, improvement and review of HR policies, procedures and guidance, including Equality and Privacy Impact Assessments, addressing the University’s strategic objectives and values, delivering good practice and compliance
• Leading on people workstreams within strategic change programmes, planning and supporting the implementation of people related changes

Person Specification

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.

Essential

• Educated to first degree level OR equivalent practical experience in the workplace
• Associate member of CIPD OR equivalent relevant professional membership OR relevant experience
• Proven experience as an HR practitioner, applying HR theory and best practice to deliver effective people solutions
• Good knowledge of employment legislation and HR governance, with the ability to translate legal and policy requirements into practical solutions
• Demonstrable experience of managing a varied and complex employee relations caseload, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence management and organisational change matters
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively
• Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation
• High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment

Desirable

• Coaching and/or facilitation skills and practical experience
• Experience of HR Data analytics
• Experience of using SAP / Oracle, or similar ERP system
• Ability to research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail
• Project management experience.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Sunday 8 th November 2026.