At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and advise on employee relations, mentoring and developing HR professionals.
- Company: Join Trafford & Stockport College Group, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days leave, generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, inclusivity, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experiences and shape the future of our organisation.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent experience in HR or People Partner roles.
Hours: 36.25 hours per week
Salary Scale: ÂŁ39,561 - ÂŁ43,356
Location: All campus locations
We’re looking for an experienced People Partner to deliver a proactive, high-quality people partnering service across the Group. This is a pivotal role, working closely with managers and People & Culture colleagues to embed best practice, lead on employee relations and organisational change, and strengthen leadership and people management capability. You’ll operate as a trusted advisor, balancing operational delivery with strategic insight to support a positive, consistent and fair employee experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert advice and hands-on support on employee relations casework, ensuring consistency, fairness and compliance with employment legislation and organisational policy.
- Lead on employee relations matters where required, including investigations, hearings, appeals and negotiations, while coaching People Advisors, People Officers and managers through sensitive and challenging issues.
- Mentor, support and develop People Advisors and People Officers, building confidence and capability in best practice, policy application and effective case management.
- Support organisational change, workforce planning and restructuring activity, embedding our People First commitments and People & Culture best practice within agreed client areas.
- Work collaboratively with the Talent Development Partner to identify and deliver opportunities that strengthen leadership capability and effective people management across the organisation.
- Partner with managers, trade unions and external stakeholders to support meaningful consultation and the effective delivery of people initiatives within a unionised environment.
- Contribute to People & Culture priorities and initiatives aligned to our strategy and “Deal for Colleagues”, with a focus on wellbeing, engagement and voice, inclusion and belonging.
What We’re Looking For
- CIPD Level 7 qualification (or demonstrable equivalent knowledge and experience).
- Significant experience in a senior HR or People Partner role within a large, complex or unionised organisation, with a strong track record of leading complex employee relations casework.
- Confidence operating in a business partnering model, influencing and constructively challenging stakeholders, and using insight and data to drive improvement.
- Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice, with evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, sound judgement, and a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our Values
- Ambitious
- Resilient
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Respectful
If you’re passionate about people, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to help shape the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dynamic and evolving department that values innovation and inclusivity.
- Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact.
- Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development.
Exceptional Benefits Package
- 40 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Generous company pension contribution 20.8%
- Onsite Costa Coffee & Subsidies staff canteen
- Employee Assistance Programme that extends the supports to your family members
- Tailored Professional Development plan
- Free onsite Parking
All employees, including senior managers, will normally be appointed to the minimum point of the pay grade for the job. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to appoint to a higher point in the pay grade at the discretion of the Director of HR & Performance due to the candidate’s current salary, experience or qualifications.
Trafford & Stockport College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and expects all staff to share this commitment. Employment at Trafford & Stockport College Group is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check via the Disclosure and Barring Service and any post in regulated activity will also be subject to an additional barred list check. The Group will meet the costs associated with this.
Please note that Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 requires us to carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on successful candidates.
The role is open to direct applicants only. Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we are unfortunately not able to respond to each applicant. If you have not been called for interview within 3 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
This role may close early please submit your application early to avoid disappointment.
People Partner in Trafford employer: Trafford College Group
Contact Detail:
Trafford College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner in Trafford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work in similar organisations. 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 you embody their principles, especially around inclusion and collaboration. We want to see that you’re a great fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience with employee relations and organisational change. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it counts!
✨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 are genuinely interested in joining our team at TSCG.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner in Trafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a People Partner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, especially in employee relations and organisational change.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value collaboration and inclusivity, so share your passion for people and how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford College Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a People Partner, especially around employee relations casework. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a People Partner, you'll need to build strong relationships. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with managers and stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you've navigated sensitive situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Insight
This role requires balancing operational delivery with strategic insight. Be ready to discuss how you've used data and insights to drive improvements in people management. Think about times when you've influenced change or implemented best practices that benefited the organisation.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values: Ambitious, Resilient, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Respectful. Prepare to demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs. Share stories that reflect these values in action, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for their culture.