Senior HR Business Partner

Ashley Kate HR & Finance; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR consultancy in the UK is seeking a motivated Senior HR Business Partner to enhance their Employee Relations capabilities. This pivotal role involves leading complex HR cases, supporting organizational change, and working directly with senior leaders across a diverse academic portfolio. The ideal candidate should have a CIPD Level 7 certification and substantial HR experience, particularly in Higher or Further Education. The position requires at least three days a week on-site presence in Southwest London for strong collaboration.

Benefits

31.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays

3-4 days Christmas closure

Inclusive company culture

Qualifications

• Significant HR experience in Higher Education or Further Education is advantageous.
• Proven track record in leading complex employee relations cases.
• Direct experience with employment tribunals and preparing case bundles.

Responsibilities

• Lead on grievance, disciplinary, and capability/performance management.
• Conduct and lead investigations into complex cases.
• Provide proactive Employee Relations insight to senior leaders.

Skills

CIPD Level 7 (or MCIPD)

Complex employee relations case management

Organizational change management

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Advanced Microsoft Word

Advanced Microsoft PowerPoint

Education

CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent)

Job description

Senior HR Business Partner

Salary: £51,573 - £52,500 dependant on experience

31.5 days annual leave + bank holidays + 3-4 days Christmas closure

Working pattern: Minimum 3 days a week on-site at the office in Southwest London - non negotiable

We are seeking an exceptional Senior HR Business Partner to join our client's dynamic HR Team and take a lead role in Employee Relations across a large, diverse, and fast-paced academic portfolio. This is a pivotal position supporting key stakeholders across Education and Recruitment services so you will have a diverse client group of 400 + plus a significant number of hourly-paid colleagues.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for a HR professional who thrives on complexity, variety, and getting ahead of problems before they escal

Working alongside another Senior HR Partner, you will be the specialist lead for Employee Relations, including:

• Grievance, disciplinary, and capability/performance management
• Leading and advising on organisational change and complex restructures
• Conducting and leading investigations (not simply supporting them)
• Preparing tribunal documentation and attending/participating in tribunal processes
• Providing proactive ER insight to senior leaders, anticipating issues before they arise
• Supporting complex academic recruitment processes, including panel design and compliance
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across a highly varied portfolio

You will join a high-performing HR team where each Senior HR Partner has a defined specialism in addition to operational leadership. This role is critical to strengthening the core ER capability during a period of increasing activity and transformation.

Senior HR Business Partner - About You

• CIPD Level 7 (or MCIPD) or equivalent is essential
• Significant Higher Education or Further Education HR experience highly advantageous
• A proven track record of leading complex ER cases, including capability and disciplinary
• Direct experience of employment tribunals and preparing case bundles
• Strong organisational change experience with the ability to manage multiple restructures
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and advanced Microsoft skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset and be able to anticipate issues will be key

This role requires regular in-person collaboration. A minimum of three days per week on site is needed and you must be able to change this as needed by the business.

For more information please contact Jacqui on (phone number removed)

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies