Strategic People Partner - UOD2012

University of Dundee; Dundee; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Strategic People Partner to lead HR support for senior leaders. You will build trusted partnerships, coach teams, and drive people strategies to enhance culture and performance. Ideal candidates will have significant HR partnering experience and a deep knowledge of employment law, ideally within academic environments. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in shaping a values-driven organization.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior HR partnering within large, complex organisations.
• Deep knowledge of employment law.
• Excellent influencing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build strong partnerships with Deans and leadership teams.
• Lead and coach Senior People Partners.
• Support workforce planning, talent development, and reward.

Skills

Strategic HR partnering

Influencing senior leaders

Embedding strategic people processes

Employee relations best practices

Education

Degree or equivalent

CIPD qualification

Job description

Posted on 26 September 2025 | Reference: UOD2012

People Partnering and Employee Relations

Location: University of Dundee
Department: People Directorate
Grade: 9

The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join the University of Dundee as a Strategic People Partner, leading a small team to provide trusted, values-driven HR support to senior leaders. You will help shape leadership capability, strengthen culture, and ensure people strategies are embedded to make a real difference to staff and organisational success.

Principal Duties
You will:

Build strong, trusted partnerships with Deans, Directors, and leadership teams.

Lead and coach Senior People Partners to deliver excellent partnering.

Support workforce planning, talent development, succession, and reward.

Provide expert advice on complex people issues and coach leaders.

Promote best practice in employee relations and engage constructively with Trade Unions.

Contribute to cross-directorate initiatives to ensure an integrated, values-led service.

The Person
We are seeking a strategic HR professional who is collaborative, credible, and committed to building a high-performing, people-centred culture. You will bring the confidence to influence senior leaders, combined with the empathy and values to put people at the heart of decision-making.

Why Apply?
This role offers the chance to shape culture and leadership across a world-class university. You will join a supportive, ambitious People Directorate where your expertise will make a lasting impact.

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications
You should have a degree (or equivalent) and CIPD qualification, with significant experience in senior HR partnering within large, complex organisations. You will bring expertise in embedding strategic people processes, alongside strong leadership experience, a deep knowledge of employment law, and excellent influencing and communication skills. Experience of working within academic, research-led, or unionised environments would be advantageous, as would further professional qualifications in coaching, mediation, or change management.

More About the Role
As Strategic People Partner, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, enabling them to deliver priorities in line with the University's values. You will lead your team to embed workforce strategies that drive performance and fairness, while ensuring people processes support a thriving, values-led culture.

Sunday, 19 October 2025, 23:59

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