At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and influence strategic people solutions at a top university.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Cambridge's Human Resources Division.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational change and academic excellence.
- Qualifications: Significant senior-level HR experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63606 - 67468 £ per year.
Division: Human Resources
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £63,606–£67,468 per annum
Location: Cambridge, with hybrid working
Working Arrangement: Full-time, Hybrid
Essential Requirement: Significant senior-level HR experience, with a proven ability to lead organisational change, influence senior stakeholders and deliver strategic people solutions within a complex organisation.
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead HR Business Partner to join the Human Resources Division at the University of Cambridge, one of the world's leading academic institutions. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders, providing expert HR advice and shaping people strategies that support academic excellence, organisational effectiveness and institutional priorities.
You will act as a trusted adviser to senior management teams, leading the development and delivery of strategic HR initiatives while ensuring people priorities are aligned with wider University objectives. This is a highly visible and influential role, requiring an individual who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will play a key part in leading organisational change, managing complex employee relations matters, delivering major HR projects and influencing decision-making at the highest levels.
The role offers an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the University's people agenda, working collaboratively with senior stakeholders and HR colleagues to deliver meaningful and lasting organisational change.
The Role
You will provide strategic HR leadership and business partnering support to your designated client areas, working alongside senior management teams to understand organisational challenges, identify workforce priorities and develop effective people solutions. A key aspect of the role will be leading organisational change and advising on complex and high-risk employee relations matters, ensuring that HR interventions are aligned with institutional objectives, employment legislation and best practice.
You will also lead and contribute to strategic and operational HR projects, using workforce data and insight to inform decision-making, strengthen organisational effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the HR contribution to strategic and operational planning, ensuring people priorities support wider institutional objectives.
- Partnering with senior leaders to identify, develop and deliver strategic people priorities.
- Leading organisational change programmes, workforce planning and wider organisational development initiatives.
- Providing expert advice and guidance on complex and high-risk employee relations matters.
- Leading and delivering University-wide and local HR projects and initiatives.
- Building effective relationships with senior stakeholders, HR colleagues and trade union representatives.
- Using workforce data, management information and insight to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Providing leadership, direction and support to HR teams within your designated client areas.
- Identifying opportunities to improve HR services, processes and organisational effectiveness.
- Influencing senior-level decision-making and supporting the delivery of sustainable organisational change.
Essential Requirements
Candidates will need to demonstrate significant senior-level HR experience and the ability to operate effectively as a strategic business partner within a complex organisation. You will need to demonstrate:
- Significant experience working in a senior HR role within a complex organisation.
- A strong track record of leading organisational change and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Experience developing and implementing strategic people solutions aligned with organisational objectives.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Proven experience managing complex employee relations matters and providing sound, pragmatic HR advice.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret workforce data and translate organisational priorities into effective HR actions.
- Experience leading, supporting and developing HR teams.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a commitment to continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.
- The ability to balance strategic priorities with practical operational delivery.
- CIPD membership or equivalent professional experience would be advantageous.
Benefits
The University of Cambridge offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment, contributing to the success of one of the world's leading universities. Alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution at a senior level, the University offers:
- Excellent opportunities for professional development, learning and career progression.
- Generous pension provision.
- 41 days annual leave, including public holidays.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Access to CAMbens employee benefits and retail discounts.
- A wide range of health and wellbeing support services.
- The opportunity to influence strategic people priorities and help shape the future of the University.
Additional Information
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure, security check and health assessment. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
How to Apply
Please email your cv and contact details to cambridge@spirehouse.co.uk
Lead HR Business Partner in Cambridge employer: Spirehouse
Join a leading Catastrophic Injury team in Birmingham, Manchester, or Bristol, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment. With access to high-profile cases and exceptional mentoring, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead HR Business Partner in Cambridge
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Spirehouse!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Spirehouse.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead HR Business Partner in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Spirehouse. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Spirehouse and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Spirehouse. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Spirehouse's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirehouse
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Spirehouse.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Spirehouse will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Spirehouse and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
