Human Resources Partner

University of Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed university in England is seeking an HR Partner to support leadership teams and manage HR issues. The role offers hybrid working opportunities, with at least two days on campus. The ideal candidate will have strong HR expertise, the ability to build relationships with senior leaders, and a commitment to providing excellent service. This position includes competitive benefits such as 41 days annual leave and multiple wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

41 days annual leave

Inclusive organisation policies

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Onsite gyms

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a unionised environment.
• Strong initiative and ability to seek support confidently.
• Commitment to delivering excellent service.

Responsibilities

• Forge trusted relationships with teams across the University.
• Support leadership teams with complex HR issues.
• Manage HR cases with a pragmatic approach.

Skills

Technical operational HR expertise

Building relationships with senior leaders

Coaching skills

Job description

Human Resources, Culture & Assurance

We have two full-time positions available, one permanent and one fixed term until 31 July 2026.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – minimum of 2 days a week on campus and some from home.

This is an exciting time for the University of Exeter; our people and the contribution we all make is central to the shared endeavours of our institutional Strategy 2030 which aims to deliver innovations for a world that is greener, fairer and healthier.

As an HR Partner, you will forge trusted relationships with teams from across a designated area of our University community, supporting leadership teams through the provision of proactive and pragmatic support to complex HR issues.

You will bring credibility, energy and a commitment to delivering an excellent service. You will be able to evidence strong technical operational HR expertise, the ability to build relationships with senior leaders and other key stakeholders, and the ability to utilise coaching skills with customers and in support of the development of HR colleagues. You will have a thorough but pragmatic approach to managing cases and have previous experience of working in a unionised environment. You will show great initiative but know when to confidently seek support.

We want to work with people whose passion for developing and supporting great people matches our own.

Please indicate on your application whether you would like to be considered for the permanent or fixed-term role, or both.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Why our staff love working here

• Flexible working opportunities
• 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Actively inclusive organisation ensuring equality and fairness for all
• Sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• Multiple wellbeing and health initiatives for staff
• Onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do
• Beautiful campus environment when working from either Exeter or Penryn
• Inspiring research that really makes a difference to the world

Further information

We would be delighted to answer any questions to help establish that this HR Partner role is the right job for you. To find out more, please get in touch with Gail Reeves, Senior HR Partner at: [e-mail]

Please ensure you attach both a CV and Cover Letter to your application.

The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 18 November 2025.