At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with senior leaders to shape people strategy and drive organisational change.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Napier University, a hub of innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days annual leave, a 35-hour work week, and great learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing decision-making and fostering high-performing cultures.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR partnering, organisational development, and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 Edinburgh Napier University. This is a high-impact role where you’ll partner with senior leaders, influence decision-making, and play a key role in delivering our People Strategy and broader University ambitions.
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 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
- Provide expert advice on complex organisational change and people challenges
- Lead workforce planning, organisational design and people impact assessments
- Use data and insight to inform decision-making and identify trends, risks and opportunities
- Support 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 aligned to University priorities
- Ensure strong governance, compliance and professional standards
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in an HR Partnering or consultancy role within a complex organisation
- Strong experience of organisational development and leading change initiatives
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders
- Experience balancing strategic priorities with operational delivery
- Strong analytical capability, with the ability to translate data into insight
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Resilience and sound judgement in a fast-paced environment
- Passion for creating inclusive, high-performing cultures
Why Join Us?
At Edinburgh Napier University, we’re committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence. This is an opportunity to work as part of a forward-thinking People Team, partner with senior leaders across the University, and deliver meaningful organisational impact.
Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays)
35-hour working week
Learning and development opportunities
Access to Vivup benefits platform (retailer discounts, healthcare, Cycle to Work)
Strategic HR Partner for Change & People Strategy 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 have access to extensive learning and development opportunities, alongside a generous annual leave policy and a supportive work environment that values inclusivity and high performance. Join us in shaping the future of our university while enjoying the unique benefits of working in a vibrant academic setting in Edinburgh.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh Napier University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Partner for Change & People Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Edinburgh Napier University on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's recent initiatives and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their People Strategy. We want to see how you can add value!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced change or partnered with senior leaders in the past. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your strategic HR prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic HR Partner for Change & People Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic HR Partner role. Highlight your experience in organisational change and how you've partnered with senior leaders in the past. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves using data to inform decision-making, don’t forget to mention any relevant analytical experience. Share examples of how you've translated data into actionable insights in previous roles. We love a good data story!
Demonstrate Your People Skills:This position is all about building relationships, so make sure to highlight your communication and negotiation skills. Share specific instances where you've influenced stakeholders or led teams through change. We’re looking for those strong interpersonal vibes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us know why you’d be a great fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Napier University
✨Know Your People Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Edinburgh Napier University's People Strategy. Understand their goals and how your experience aligns with their ambitions. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their strategic priorities.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led change initiatives in previous roles. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you navigated them, as this will demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making and support organisational change.
✨Build Relationships with Senior Leaders
Think about how you can establish credibility with senior stakeholders. Share instances where you've built strong relationships in complex environments, highlighting your communication and negotiation skills. This will show that you can be a trusted adviser and critical friend.
✨Use Data to Drive Insights
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and insights to inform decision-making in the past. Bring examples of trends or risks you've identified and how they influenced your strategies. This will showcase your analytical capability and your ability to translate data into actionable insights.
