Head of HR Partnering

The University isn’t just any employer. We are part of a local community and a contributor to global thinking, progress and research. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. As part of the University of Edinburgh, you’ll be making a difference to everything around you.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We are a large University covering a wide range of activities. In Professional Services, we support the University’s research and teaching, offering many career and role specialisms. The Human Resources department provides strategic and operational advice, guidance and support to all staff in the University.

As Head of HR Partnering, you will lead the delivery of HR either within an aligned area, or peripatetically; leading and developing our Business Partners to provide a comprehensive professional service supporting both strategic and operational activity. This leadership position requires an experienced HR professional with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in a multi-stakeholder and complex organisation. In this role you will partner with stakeholders across the University, in particular with regular engagement with trade union representatives on a range of strategic initiatives, leading on all matters relating to HR.

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

• Working within one of the world’s leading universities
• Interesting work which offers variety every day
• Responsibility and autonomy to make a difference
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University

This post is full-time however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

Please include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter explaining how your experience fits well with this specific role and why you want it.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, as we acknowledge they are currently underrepresented at this level in our team.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our rights to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

The closing date for applications is 4 February 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser’s local time zone. Interviews are likely to be held around 11 February 2026.

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we address tomorrow’s greatest challenges with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.

Human Resources is a strategic partner in delivering the University’s strategy and values. We have an important role in shaping inspirational and innovative long-term people strategies that attract, develop, reward and retain a highly motivated and diverse workforce. We are a community of over 100 HR professionals who strive for a positive supportive culture and working environment. We influence change initiatives, define talent and development opportunities and deliver quality life cycle services that help the University and its Academic and Professional Service staff succeed.