Interim HR Business Partner - Higher Education

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is looking for an Interim HR Business Partner in Slough to support significant organizational change. This high-impact role requires strategic partnership with senior leaders, managing employee relations, and implementing talent strategies within a complex environment.

Qualifications

• Significant HR business partnering experience preferably in higher education or similar environments.
• Proven track record in leading HR initiatives that drive engagement and performance.
• Confident relationship builder credible with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to deliver local people plans aligned with the university's HR strategy.
• Provide expert advice on HR topics including performance and wellbeing.
• Support large-scale change management initiatives.

Skills

Strategic HR Partnership

Employee Relations

Organisational Change

Talent Development

Coaching

Job description

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Interim HR Business Partner - Higher Education, Slough

Client: Cedar

Location: Slough, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

2

Posted:

31.05.2025

Expiry Date:

15.07.2025

Job Description:

Our prestigious university client is seeking an exceptional individual to join their HR team on an interim basis, supporting a large and complex client group during a period of significant organisational change.

The Role

As the dedicated HR Business Partner for a key faculty, you will act as the single point of contact for senior leaders and local HR stakeholders. This is a high-impact role focused on delivering people strategies and providing expert guidance across the full HR lifecycle.

• Acting as a strategic partner to senior leadership, navigating complex organisational structures and HR systems.
• Leading on employee relations casework, including sensitive and complex issues (grievances, disciplinaries, restructuring).
• Driving organisational change, including the creation of business cases for large restructure projects.
• Delivering people-focused solutions, working collaboratively with centres of expertise (e.g., ER, OD, Recruitment).
• Developing and implementing talent, EDI and succession strategies, ensuring inclusive practices are embedded across all processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to deliver local people plans aligned with the university's wider HR strategy.
• Provide expert advice on HR topics including performance, wellbeing, EDI, talent development, and recruitment of senior roles.
• Act as a coach and trusted advisor to managers, building strong relationships.
• Lead on employee relations casework, supported by the Employee Relations team.
• Support large-scale change management initiatives, bringing insight, structure, and pace to complex organisational transitions.
• Engage and support embedded HR teams, ensuring joined-up service delivery.
• Significant HR business partnering experience (preferably in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex environments).
• A proven track record in leading HR initiatives that drive engagement and performance.
• A confident relationship builder - credible with senior stakeholders and able to influence strategically.
• Experienced in managing complex ER casework and organisational change, ideally in a large complex organisation.