At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior leaders in delivering impactful HR strategies during organisational change.
- Company: Prestigious university with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and drive meaningful change in a complex organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of higher education.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience, CIPD qualification, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40 - 40 £ per hour.
Location: London (Hybrid working available)
Contract Type: Interim (6-12 months)
Salary: £35 - £40 per hour (Inside IR35)
Start Date: ASAP
Our prestigious university client is seeking an exceptional individual to join their HR team on an interim basis, supporting a large and complex client group during a period of significant organisational change.
The Role
- Acting as a strategic partner to senior leadership, navigating complex organisational structures and HR systems.
- Leading on employee relations casework, including sensitive and complex issues (grievances, disciplinaries, restructuring).
- Driving organisational change, including the creation of business cases for large restructure projects.
- Delivering people-focused solutions, working collaboratively with centres of expertise (e.g. ER, OD, Recruitment).
- Developing and implementing talent, EDI and succession strategies, ensuring inclusive practices are embedded across all processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with senior leaders to deliver local people plans aligned with the university's wider HR strategy.
- Provide expert advice on a wide range of HR topics including performance, wellbeing, EDI, talent development, and recruitment of senior roles.
- Act as a coach and trusted advisor to managers, building strong and influential relationships.
- Lead on employee relations casework, with support from the Employee Relations team.
- Support large-scale change management initiatives, bringing insight, structure and pace to complex organisational transitions.
- Engage and support embedded HR teams, ensuring joined-up service delivery.
Essential requirements:
- Significant HR business partnering experience (preferably in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex environments).
- A proven track record in leading HR initiatives that drive engagement and performance.
- CIPD qualification.
- A confident relationship builder - credible with senior stakeholders and able to influence at a strategic level.
- Experienced in managing complex ER casework and organisational change, ideally in a large complex organisation.
Interim HR Business Partner - Higher Education in London employer: Cedar
Join a dynamic London-based organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous training and growth opportunities while working on prestigious M&E projects. The supportive work culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim HR Business Partner - Higher Education in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Cedar!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Cedar.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim HR Business Partner - Higher Education in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Cedar. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Cedar and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Cedar. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Cedar's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Cedar.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Cedar will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Cedar and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
