Strategic People Partner in Preston

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

We are recruiting a Strategic People Partner to support our Schools and Professional Services in delivering their priorities through effective, joined-up people approaches. This is a senior role within a collaborative People Team, working within a diverse and fast-evolving university environment. You’ll partner closely with senior leaders, helping them navigate change, plan their workforce, and address complex people challenges in a practical and straightforward way.

About the role:

• You’ll spend most of your time working directly with senior colleagues across the institution—within our academic Schools, Professional Services, and senior leadership team.
• In partnership with them, you will develop a strong understanding of their strategic priorities, challenges, and the specific context of their areas, ensuring that their people plans are aligned and supportive of what they are trying to achieve.
• Much of the work will centre on organisational change, whether that’s shaping new structures, supporting leaders through transition, or ensuring consistent and fair approaches to people issues.
• You’ll also take ownership of a key area within our People Strategy, helping to move it forward in a way that works in practice across different parts of the University.
• Alongside this, you’ll contribute to the wider leadership of the People Team, helping to keep our approach aligned, practical and focused on what matters.

About you:

• You’ll be comfortable working at a senior level, with the judgement and confidence to offer clear, balanced advice.
• You’ll have experience of:
• Supporting organisational change in a complex setting
• Building effective relationships with senior stakeholders and trade unions
• Handling a wide range of people issues with professionalism and consistency
• Using data and insight to inform decisions
• You will have a good honours degree or equivalent and hold a CIPD qualification as well.
• Most importantly, you’ll take a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and be comfortable working in an environment where priorities can shift.

We’re a university with a strong sense of purpose, and a focus on inclusivity, widening participation, and continuous improvement. The People Team plays a key role in supporting that—working in partnership with colleagues to deliver simple, effective and inclusive people practices.

If you’re looking for a senior role where you can make a practical difference and work closely with leaders across the institution, we’d welcome your application.

What we can offer you:

• We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP.
• Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives.

About us:

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.