At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop people strategies while navigating complex HR issues.
- Company: Join a collaborative HR team at City College Norwich.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how the college supports its people.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified with strong HR experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence organisational development and employee relations.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced People Partner to join our HR Services team and work closely with leaders across the college to shape how we support, develop and manage our people. This is a broad and influential role for an HR professional who enjoys combining strong employee relations expertise with strategic workforce thinking. You will partner with managers in allocated areas, helping them navigate complex people issues while also contributing to longer-term organisational development and the delivery of our People Strategy.
Responsibilities
- Acting as a trusted HR partner to leaders and managers, offering pragmatic, balanced advice
- Leading on employee relations casework including performance, attendance, disciplinary and grievance matters
- Supporting managers through change, including restructuring, workforce planning and organisational design
- Coaching and developing leaders to build confidence and capability in people management
- Using data and insight to inform decisions and improve outcomes
- Working constructively with Trade Unions to maintain positive employee relations
- Engaging with external HR networks, benchmarking best practice and bringing new ideas back into the organisation
- Taking an active role in shaping and delivering elements of the People Strategy
Qualifications and profile
- Is CIPD Level 5 qualified (or above) with solid, hands-on HR experience
- Has strong experience of employee relations in a complex or unionised environment
- Enjoys building relationships and influencing at all levels
- Can balance empathy with sound judgement and organisational priorities
- Is curious, commercially aware and committed to continuous improvement
- Wants a role where they can have real impact, not just provide advice from the sidelines
Why join us?
You’ll be part of a collaborative HR team that values professionalism, fairness and curiosity. You’ll have the space to think, the backing to challenge constructively, and the opportunity to influence how the college supports its people now and in the future.
If you’re looking for a People Partner role where relationships, judgement and values genuinely matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at Midnight
Interviews Thursday 19th February 2026
As a College we are required to undertake various Safer Recruitment checks as set out within the guidance from the Department for Education Keeping Child Safe in Education. We require all staff to undertake an enhanced Adult and Child Workforce DBS Check and to register with the DBS Update Service.
People Partner in London employer: City College Norwich
Contact Detail:
City College Norwich Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at City College Norwich or similar organisations on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the People Partner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your employee relations knowledge. Think of real-life examples where you've successfully navigated complex people issues, as this will show you can handle the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your curiosity! During interviews, ask insightful questions about the college's People Strategy and how you can contribute. This demonstrates your genuine interest in making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner in London
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 strategic workforce thinking, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of how you've navigated complex people issues or led on employee relations casework. We love seeing real-life scenarios that demonstrate your expertise and impact.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value professionalism, fairness, and curiosity, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for HR and how you can contribute to our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at City College Norwich
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a People Partner. Brush up on employee relations, performance management, and organisational design. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully navigated complex people issues or led change initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the college’s values and culture. During the interview, relate your personal values and experiences to theirs. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation as a whole.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the college's People Strategy. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the environment aligns with your career goals.