At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support a dynamic team in a vibrant arts community.
- Company: Join the Guildhall School, a hub for musicians and artists in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while championing diversity and inclusion.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with strong HR experience in education or arts sectors.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 49140 - 55000 £ per year.
Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists located in the heart of the City of London. This is an exciting opportunity to join the HR Team as an HR Business Partner, working closely with the Head of HR and fellow Business Partners to deliver strategic HR initiatives within a Higher Education environment.
You will act as a trusted HR generalist, building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior management, while providing expert advice across employee relations, recruitment, learning and development, and job evaluation. In addition, you will lead and develop a team of 2.5 HR Advisors, coaching and supporting them to ensure the delivery of high‑quality HR services that drive engagement and support the achievement of organisational goals.
Qualifications- Qualified CIPD (or equivalent) or equivalent professional credential
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and experience in Higher Education and/or the arts sector
- Proven experience in coaching and leading HR teams
- Excellent IT and data‑analysis skills
- Act as a trusted HR generalist, advising senior leaders on a range of HR matters
- Deliver expert advice on employee relations, recruitment, learning and development, and job evaluation
- Coach and develop a small team of HR advisors to deliver high‑quality services
- Champion inclusive practices and support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives
This role is eligible for hybrid working. Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 12 January 2026. Interviews will be held w/c Monday 19 January 2026. All applications must include a completed application form. Please note that late applications will not be accepted. Quoting reference number OOGS9266 will be required for all applications.
Guildhall School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented at Guildhall School. In recognising the positive value of diversity, we want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve.
We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We support and provide adjustments for people with disabilities – if you have a disability and need help with the application process please contact us.
Guildhall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. The City of London Corporation is committed to ensuring that pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable. We regularly benchmark and review pay across the whole organisation and against external sectors.
HR Business Partner in City of London employer: GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
Contact Detail:
GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the HR field! Attend industry events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in coaching and leading teams. Share specific examples of how you've driven engagement and supported diversity initiatives – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the organisation and its culture. Be ready to discuss how your background in UK employment law and higher education aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your expertise in employee relations.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can easily keep track of your application status and any updates we might have for you.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the HR Business Partner role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in coaching, employee relations, and data analysis have made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see the impact you've had!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value diversity and want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and experiences.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to include all required documents and quote the reference number OOGS9266 in your application. We won’t accept late applications, so double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and the specifics of HR practices in Higher Education. Being able to discuss relevant legislation and how it applies to the role will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the position.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with senior management and other stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or individuals in the past.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
As you'll be leading a small team of HR Advisors, be ready to talk about your coaching experience. Share specific instances where you've developed others, highlighting your approach and the positive outcomes that resulted from your guidance.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
Guildhall School values diversity, so come prepared to discuss how you've championed inclusive practices in your previous roles. Think about initiatives you've led or participated in that support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and be ready to share your insights on fostering an inclusive workplace.