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- Tasks: Support managers and staff with expert employee relations guidance in a vibrant university setting.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team at Birmingham City University.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, generous pension, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee engagement and culture in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent, CIPD Associate Member, and experience in employee relations.
- Other info: Collaborative workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 44131 - 51182 £ per year.
Department: Human Resources
Location: Joseph Priestley Building
Salary: £44,131 to £51,182 per annum (This role also carries a 10% market supplement)
Post Type: Full Time
Release Date: 18 March 2026
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Monday 06 April 2026
Reference: H126002
We’re looking for a proactive People Partner with a focus on employee relations to join our team and deliver expert guidance to managers and staff in a diverse, fast-paced university setting. As a key member of our People and Culture team, you’ll provide professional, first-line advice and support, ensuring best practice in all aspects of employee relations and people management.
You’ll work closely with managers to enable confident decision-making and help drive a culture of high performance, engagement, and continuous improvement. You’ll be a confident HR professional with the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
You will be educated to degree or equivalent and be an Associate Member of the CIPD (Assoc. CIPD). You will have experience providing proactive ER advice across a diverse workforce with a solid background in managing employee relations casework and experience of delivering training to managers on ER topics.
You will have knowledge of and experience in HR databases and systems, including strong IT proficiency (Excel, MS Office, HRIS), and experience designing and implementing HR policies and delivering training interventions. You will also possess a deep understanding of employment law and effective people management practices.
You will join a collaborative and supportive working environment where your expertise will help shape how we support our people. We offer a generous pension and annual leave provision (40 days including statutory holidays), family-friendly policies and state-of-the-art campus facilities. We also operate a hybrid working model that allows staff to combine on-site and remote working where appropriate, dependent on work duties.
Informal queries in relation to this opportunity are very welcome, and should be directed to Annabel Roberts, Employee Relations Manager.
The selection process will include an interview and a work-related exercise element, and full details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance. The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
People Partner employer: BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the university or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common HR scenarios. Think about how you'd handle employee relations issues and be ready to share your experiences. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices during the interview. We love candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and how it applies to our diverse workforce.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People Partner role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and how it aligns with our fast-paced university environment. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. We’re looking for someone who can provide expert guidance, so let us know about your previous experiences and successes in this area.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific employee relations challenges that might arise in a university setting, as this will show your potential employer that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing employee relations casework. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your proactive approach and how you've successfully supported managers in making confident decisions.
✨Engage with the Culture
Research the university's culture and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a high-performance environment and promote engagement among staff. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a good fit for their team.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Since there’s a work-related exercise as part of the selection process, practice similar scenarios beforehand. This will not only boost your confidence but also help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on delivery skills effectively during the interview.