At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing People Partnering team to drive strategic people outcomes.
- Company: Edinburgh Napier University, committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, generous pension, learning opportunities, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our People Partnering function and make a meaningful impact.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 69488 £ per year.
Are you an experienced HR leader with a passion for shaping organisational culture and driving strategic people outcomes? We are looking for a senior People leader to head up our People Partnering function at Edinburgh Napier University. This is a high-impact role where you will lead a team of People Partners, influence senior stakeholders, and play a key role in delivering our People Strategy and broader University ambitions.
About the Role
As Head of People Partnering, you will set the strategic direction for our partnering model and ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality, insight-led people support across the University. This role sits on the People Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping and delivering the University’s People Strategy. Working closely with Deans, Directors and senior leaders, you will act as a trusted advisor, shaping organisational culture, driving workforce planning and leading large-scale change and transformation initiatives. You will ensure the People Partnering team operates as a high-performing, value-adding function aligned to the University’s priorities. You will also play a critical role in developing organisational capability, embedding values-led leadership, strengthening engagement, and ensuring the University continues to evolve as an inclusive, high-performing workplace.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing People Partnering team
- Set and deliver the strategic direction for the People Partnering model
- Build strong, credible relationships with senior leaders across the University
- Provide expert advice on complex organisational change and people challenges
- Drive workforce planning, talent and succession strategies
- Use people data and insight to inform decision-making and prioritisation
- Lead large-scale transformation and change programmes
- Champion Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and values-led leadership
- Ensure high standards of governance, risk management and professional practice
- Collaborate across the wider People Team to deliver integrated people solutions
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience operating at a senior HR Business Partner or equivalent leadership level
- Proven track record of leading and developing HR/People teams
- Strong experience of influencing and advising senior leaders within complex organisations
- Demonstrable experience of delivering strategic people initiatives and large-scale change
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational delivery
- Strong analytical capability, using insight to drive decisions and outcomes
- A passion for developing inclusive, values-driven and high-performing cultures
Why Join Us?
At Edinburgh Napier University, we are committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence. This is an opportunity to shape the future of our People Partnering function and make a meaningful impact across the University. If you’re ready to lead at scale, influence at the highest level, and drive real organisational change, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Excellent Benefits Package
At ENU, we offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer other excellent benefits including:
- Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays)
- A generous pension scheme (employer contribution of 17.6%)
- 35 hour work week
- Various learning and development opportunities
- Access to our benefits platform Vivup which includes huge range of discounts across the UK’s major retailers, health care discounts and Cycle to Work
- Discounted access to onsite and local gym facilities
Salary: £58,225- £69,488 per annum (Grade 7)
Additional information: On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Head of People Partnering in Bonnyrigg employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Join a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of digital construction and skills innovation, where your expertise will directly contribute to transforming the built environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from extensive learning opportunities, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located at the BE-ST campus in Hamilton, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a hybrid working model and access to a range of employee benefits.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Partnering in Bonnyrigg
✨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 Edinburgh Napier University!
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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 Edinburgh Napier University.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Partnering in Bonnyrigg
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 Edinburgh Napier University. 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 Edinburgh Napier University 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 Edinburgh Napier University. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Edinburgh Napier University'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 Edinburgh Napier University
✨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 Edinburgh Napier University.
✨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 Edinburgh Napier University 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 Edinburgh Napier University and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
