Senior HR Business Partner

Colchester Institute; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Colchester is seeking an experienced Senior HR Business Partner to enhance employee experience and provide expert guidance on HR matters. The successful candidate will have extensive HR business partnering experience and a Level 5 CIPD qualification. The role involves coaching managers, mediating conflicts, and championing employee engagement initiatives. This position offers a collaborative environment focused on professional growth and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in HR business partnering.
• Exceptional communication and coaching abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of employee relations.
• Proven capability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on employee relations issues.
• Coach line managers in managing sensitive matters.
• Mediate conflicts to maintain positive workplace relationships.
• Ensure HR policies are consistently applied.
• Support organisational change projects.
• Champion employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.
• Advise on best practices for HR initiatives.

Skills

HR business partnering

Communication

Coaching

Employee relations knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Level 5 CIPD qualification in HR Management

Job description

Senior HR Business Partner

Join Colchester Institute – Where Your Career Makes a Difference.

At Colchester Institute, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. As one of the leading providers of education and training in the region, we are proud to offer a dynamic, supportive, and forward‑thinking working environment.

Working with us means being part of a team that values innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for continuous professional growth and development.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional to step into a pivotal Senior HR Business Partner role at the middle management level, within a supportive and collaborative team environment. You'll play a crucial role in driving a positive employee experience across the college and university network, offering expert guidance on employee relations and ensuring fair, consistent, and people‑centered outcomes.

As a trusted advisor, you’ll mentor and develop junior HR team members, fostering their growth and confidence while working closely with Learning & Development and People Operations to deliver a cohesive and engaging HR service. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on partnership, enjoys problem‑solving, and is passionate about building an inclusive, high‑performing workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and guidance on employee relations issues such as performance management, disciplinary actions, grievances, and absence management.
• Coach and support line managers in handling sensitive people matters effectively and in line with policy and legislation.
• Mediate conflicts and work proactively to maintain positive workplace relationships.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are applied consistently and kept up to date with employment law.
• Support organisational change projects such as restructures, TUPE transfers, or process improvements.
• Champion organisational culture, employee engagement, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Advise on best practice and ensure a smooth implementation of new HR initiatives.

Continuous Development and Values

• Take responsibility for your own professional development, staying up to date with best practices in recruitment and talent acquisition.
• Demonstrate and promote the college’s values, including its commitment to Safeguarding, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Health & Safety.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in HR business partnering.
• Exceptional communication and coaching abilities.
• In‑depth knowledge of employee relations.
• Proven capability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

Essential Qualifications

• At least Level 5 CIPD qualification in HR Management.

All applications will be assessed against the stated essential requirements, so please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates how you meet them.

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advert should we receive a sufficient level of interest.