At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with leaders to shape people strategy and drive organisational change.
- Company: Join the innovative team at Edinburgh Napier University.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, generous pension, and various learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic higher education environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR partnering and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46049 - 58225 £ per year.
Location: Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh
Grade: Grade 6
Reports to: Head of People Partnering
Are you a strategic HR professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys partnering with senior leaders to shape people strategy and organisational change? We're looking for a People Partner to join our team at Edinburgh Napier University and play a key role in delivering impactful, insight-led people solutions across Schools and Professional Services.
About the Role
As a People Partner, you'll work closely with Deans, Directors and senior leaders, acting as a trusted adviser and critical friend. You'll bring strong people insight to support workforce planning, organisational design and complex decision-making, helping leaders navigate change and deliver their strategic priorities. Operating in a diverse and evolving Higher Education environment, you'll balance strategic input with hands-on delivery, managing multiple priorities while building strong, credible relationships across the University.
What You'll Do
- Partner with senior leaders to deliver strategic people priorities across your areas
- Act as a trusted adviser, providing expert guidance on complex people challenges and organisational change
- Lead workforce planning, organisational design and people impact assessments
- Use data and insight to identify trends, risks and opportunities and drive informed decision-making
- Support and influence leadership teams to build high-performing, engaged and effective teams
- Lead and support change initiatives, ensuring the human side of change is effectively managed
- Work collaboratively across the People Team to deliver integrated people solutions
- Drive engagement, culture and capability initiatives aligned to University priorities
- Ensure effective governance and alignment with policy, legislation and best practice
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in an HR Partnering or HR Consultancy role within a complex organisation
- Strong experience of organisational development and leading change initiatives
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders across diverse environments
- Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering across both strategic and operational activity
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into meaningful insights and action
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Resilience, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- A passion for creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture
Why Join Us?
At Edinburgh Napier University, we're committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence. You'll be part of a forward-thinking People Team, working in partnership with leaders across the University to shape culture, strengthen capability and deliver meaningful organisational impact. If you're ready to make a difference in a challenging and rewarding role, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Excellent Benefits Package
- 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: £46,049 - £58,225 per annum (Grade 6)
Additional information: Applications encouraged before 15th of June. Interviews: Week of 15th of June at Sighthill campus. 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.
People Partner, Full time, Permanent in Broughton employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for strategic HR professionals. With a commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from extensive learning opportunities, a generous benefits package including 41 days of annual leave, and a supportive environment that values your contributions to shaping a positive workplace culture. Join us at our Sighthill Campus in Edinburgh, where you can make a meaningful impact in a dynamic higher education setting.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner, Full time, Permanent in Broughton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Edinburgh Napier University on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their strategic people priorities. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled complex HR challenges in the past. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and make a lasting impression on the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner, Full time, Permanent in Broughton
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 HR partnering and organisational change, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Insights:Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've used data and insights in your previous roles. We want to see how you can translate complex information into actionable strategies that align with our goals.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a positive and inclusive workplace culture, so share your passion for creating engaging environments and building strong relationships.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your People Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the university's people strategy and recent initiatives. Understand how they align with the role of a People Partner. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data to drive decision-making. Highlight how you've identified trends or risks in previous roles and how that insight led to successful outcomes. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to translate data into meaningful action.
✨Build Credibility with Examples
Think of instances where you've influenced senior stakeholders or led change initiatives. Share stories that showcase your relationship-building skills and how you've navigated complex environments. This will illustrate your capability as a trusted adviser.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
Research the university's culture and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a positive, inclusive workplace. Share your passion for fostering high-performing teams and how you’ve done this in past roles to resonate with their mission.
