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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop people strategies within a dynamic university environment.
- Company: Join a prestigious Russell Group university known for teaching excellence and research innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, well-being programmes, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Advance your career in a collaborative setting with impactful people solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic partnering and leading people teams is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working with a minimum of 2/3 days on campus in Manchester.
The predicted salary is between 49111 - 59000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title: Lead Partner
Location: Hybrid Working on at our Campus in Oxford Road, Manchester / Remote
Salary: £59,139 to £70,579 per annum, dependent on relevant experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing Date: 28/07/2025
This University are seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced Lead People Partner to join their People Team.
The role will be assigned to one of three faculties or a portfolio of Professional Services Directorates and is accountable for delivery of some of the more complex Faculty/Professional services-wide programmes of work.
The Lead People Partner will be an embedded member of the Leadership Teams they work with and will have oversight of people priorities within their portfolio. The role holder will develop a deep understanding of the Faculty or Professional Services Portfolio they support; it's key priorities, drivers, opportunities and challenges. The role holder will ensure the quality and consistent delivery of people solutions across the Faculty or Professional Services portfolio, through leadership of a team of People Partners. Reporting to the Director of People Partnering, the role will update on the critical local needs / goals that influence the wider People Strategy and ensure the cascade and implementation of interventions that are created within the CoEs. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2/3 days working on our campus on Oxford Road, Manchester.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual looking to advance their career in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
Person Specification:
- Experience of strategic partnering with senior leadership teams, driving performance by translating strategic plans into an aligned people agenda for delivery across a large and complex organisation.
- A successful track record of leading and developing a People Partnering team
- Experience of working effectively in partnership with wider People function and centres of expertise including, Talent Acquisition and Development, Reward, People Services, Employee Relations, EDI, Organisational Effectiveness and Culture.
- Experience of coaching and guiding senior leaderships teams in the scope, design and delivery of people priorities and innovations.
- Commercial Acumen – can translate emerging business models, sector trends and technologies to university people priorities. Translates knowledge into people resource, capability and culture requirements can articulate clearly the commercial drivers that influence the people plan.
- Strategic Thinking – can translate a deep understanding of current and future internal and external factors into a strategic people plan. Can articulate a clear goals-orientated narrative for the people plan and is able to connect University strategic priorities with people priorities.
- Analytical Thinking – demonstrates business acumen when analysing data and workforce trends. Is able to make the connection between different data sets to identify correlations that inform future focussed people solutions and can create a clear future focused narrative linked to strategy.
- Change Management – the ability to develop a clear and compelling narrative for people change. Leads the conversation on scope and design of people change, change principles and impact. Uses specialist HR knowledge to identify required legal and consultation frameworks.
- Influencing – can build consensus across a wide -range of stakeholder groups. Builds and communicates a persuasive narrative for change. Uses wide network to build a network of champions and advocates for change.
As one of the leading Universities our employees enjoy exclusive access to excellent benefits and schemes including:
- Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure
- Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family
- Well-being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities
- Learning and development opportunities
- Season ticket loans for public transport
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Workplace nursery scheme
- Staff recognition schemes
- Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings
Additional Information:
This University is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and research innovation and discovery.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.
We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.
Any CV's submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift.
Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.
Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Commercial Development, Organisational Development Officer, People Partner, Strategic Partnerships, Change Management Lead, People Partnerships Manager, People Manager, Human Resources Development, may also be considered for this role.
Lead People Partner employer: BluetownOnline
Contact Detail:
BluetownOnline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead People Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the university's strategic goals and how they align with people management. Understanding their vision will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. They can provide insights into the culture and expectations of the Lead People Partner position, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your strategic thinking and change management skills. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or led a team through change.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in higher education and HR practices. Being knowledgeable about industry developments will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and showcase your commercial acumen during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead People Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Lead People Partner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that matches the job requirements. Focus on your strategic partnering experience, leadership roles, and any specific achievements in people management that demonstrate your suitability for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you can contribute to the university's people strategy.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as strategic thinking, analytical abilities, and change management. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders and led teams in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at BluetownOnline
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Before your interview, take time to research the university's mission and values. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your responses with their vision, showcasing how your experience as a Lead People Partner can contribute to their objectives.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've translated strategic plans into actionable people agendas in previous roles. Highlight your ability to connect organisational priorities with people strategies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Expect questions about your experience in leading change initiatives. Prepare to share examples where you've successfully managed change, detailing the narrative you created and how you engaged stakeholders throughout the process.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You may be asked to respond to hypothetical scenarios related to people management and leadership. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them, demonstrating your analytical and influencing skills.
