At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to shape organisational culture and drive strategic people outcomes.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Napier University, a hub of innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days annual leave, generous pension, and various learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact and influence at the highest level in a vibrant environment.
- 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'll 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'll 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'll act as a trusted advisor, shaping organisational culture, driving workforce planning and leading large-scale change and transformation initiatives. You'll ensure the People Partnering team operates as a high-performing, value-adding function aligned to the University's priorities. You'll 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're 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: Applications encouraged before 15th of June. Interviews: Week commencing 6th of July. 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.
Locations
Head of People Partnering, Full time, Permanent in Edinburgh, Scotland employer: Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. As the Head of People Partnering, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing team while influencing senior stakeholders and driving strategic people outcomes in a supportive environment. With generous benefits such as a minimum of 41 days annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and various learning opportunities, ENU is dedicated to employee growth and well-being, making it a rewarding place to work.
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Partnering, Full time, Permanent in Edinburgh, Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who are already at Edinburgh Napier University or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their People Strategy and be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, highlight how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Use stories that demonstrate your ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead large-scale transformations.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Partnering, Full time, Permanent in Edinburgh, Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in shaping organisational culture and driving strategic people outcomes. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of People Partnering.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in leading and developing high-performing teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so share examples of how you've motivated your team and influenced senior stakeholders.
Use Data to Your Advantage:Demonstrate your analytical capabilities by including specific examples of how you’ve used people data to inform decision-making. We love seeing candidates who can back up their strategies with solid insights!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Edinburgh Napier University.
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. Understand their goals and how your experience aligns with their vision. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to shaping organisational culture and driving strategic outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've inspired and led teams through change, as this role requires strong people management skills.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think of scenarios where you've influenced senior leaders or navigated complex organisational challenges. Be ready to share these experiences, focusing on your communication and negotiation skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Values
Since the role champions Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, come prepared with examples of how you've embedded these values in your previous roles. Discuss initiatives you've led that fostered an inclusive workplace, showcasing your commitment to a values-driven culture.
