Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR activities, support leaders, and shape a high-performance culture.
- Company: Join a respected University and make a global impact through executive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Empower teams and influence change in a dynamic, impactful environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience in HR management.
- Other info: Full-time, hybrid role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role: As an HR Manager, you will change leaders who change the world by coaching, supporting, and empowering the team behind executive education, creating the environment, capability, and culture they need to develop exceptional leaders who make a global impact. We are seeking an exceptional HR Manager to lead the full HR function across JBSEEL. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high-performing, commercially minded people culture within a dynamic business unit at one of the world's most respected Universities. Reporting to the Director of Executive Education (with a dotted line to the Head of People, CJBS), you will be the trusted professional advisor on all HR matters, combining strategic insight with hands‐on operational delivery. You will ensure that HR services reflect both JBSEEL's commercial pace and the rigour of University compliance standards.
Main Responsibilities:
- Leading all HR activity across JBSEEL, including recruitment, performance management, employee relations, reward, and HR policy;
- Advising senior leadership on people strategy, workforce planning and organisational design, using data-driven insights to support decision‐making;
- Shaping and reinforcing a high‐performance, accountable and commercially focused culture;
- Managing complex employee relations issues with professionalism, sound judgement and discretion;
- Streamlining HR processes and embedding efficient, modern systems to improve service quality and impact;
- Collaborating closely with University HR, CJBS HR colleagues and internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, compliant and effective HR practice;
- Overseeing learning and development, coaching interventions, onboarding, and staff engagement initiatives;
- Contribute effectively to JBSEEL values and team activities;
- Participate in and contribute to special projects where relevant.
About you: Our ideal candidate should have the following qualities, skills and attributes:
- CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience);
- Substantial generalist HR management experience, ideally within a complex, multi‐stakeholder or commercial–academic environment;
- Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding, with the ability to balance empathy and business needs;
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders, coach managers and lead organisational change;
- Confident handling sensitive and complex casework, with deep knowledge of HR policy and UK employment law;
- A proactive, resilient and solutions‐driven professional who works at pace and with integrity;
- Familiarity with University of Cambridge HR frameworks or experience in an executive education context would be advantageous.
Other Information: This is a full‐time, permanent position. There will be a nine‐month probationary period. Salary will be in the range of £45,000 - £50,000 per annum. Working hours are 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid role, with a current company‐wide requirement of a minimum of two working days from our office in Cambridge; however the successful candidate will be expected to attend the office more regularly than this should business demand require. Flexible working patterns and schedules are supported. The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 1 February 2026.
HR Manager in Cambridge employer: JBS Executive Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
JBS Executive Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work in educational institutions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of developing exceptional leaders. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, highlight specific situations where you’ve influenced senior leaders or managed complex employee relations. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in recruitment and employee relations, and don’t forget to showcase your CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Use it to demonstrate your understanding of our values and how your skills can help shape a high-performing culture at JBSEEL.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight: In your application, emphasise your ability to advise senior leadership on people strategy and workforce planning. We want to see how you can use data-driven insights to support decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at one of the world’s most respected universities.
How to prepare for a job interview at JBS Executive Education Ltd
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around UK employment law and HR policies. Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex employee relations issues in the past, as this will show your depth of understanding and experience.
✨Show Your Commercial Awareness
Since the role requires a strong commercial focus, think about examples where you've balanced empathy with business needs. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced senior leaders or contributed to organisational change in a previous role.
✨Be Data-Driven
The job description mentions using data-driven insights for decision-making. Come prepared with examples of how you've used data to shape people strategy or improve HR processes. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
Understand the values of JBSEEL and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to shaping a high-performance culture. Think about how you've reinforced accountability and performance in your previous roles, and be prepared to share those stories.
