At a Glance
- Tasks: Join UCL as an HR Business Partner, influencing people strategy and managing employee relations.
- Company: UCL is a leading university committed to diversity and enhancing the employee experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a pension scheme, on-site gym, and more perks!
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment while promoting inclusion and cultural change.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory roles, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset are essential.
- Other info: This hybrid role requires on-site presence in London two days a week.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 51000 £ per year.
Ref Number C14-00151 Professional Expertise HR and Wellbeing Department Human Resources Division (C14) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £54,172-£63,752 Contract Type Permanent Working Type Hybrid Available for Secondment No Closing Date 18-Jun-2025 About Us UCL Human Resources is a values-driven, service-oriented function, comprising approximately 120 HR professionals who work in close partnership with UCL’s eleven academic faculties, nine professional services divisions, and the President and Provost’s Offices. We support leaders and teams in delivering their strategic priorities, navigating organisational change, and enhancing the employee experience. We are committed to building an inclusive culture where every colleague can thrive, and we take pride in the role HR plays in shaping a fair, equitable and diverse working environment. Whether supporting local teams or institution-wide initiatives, we apply insight, innovation and compassion to everything we do. About The Role We are seeking an experienced HR Business Partne r to join the HR team supporting UCL’s Estates Division — a vital part of the university that oversees the planning, development, and maintenance of UCL’s physical estate across central London and beyond. This is a strategically important and operationally demanding client group, with a wide range of staff groups and roles, including technical, operational and leadership teams. As such, it offers an exciting opportunity to influence people strategy, lead on workforce-related challenges, and support the delivery of high-quality services across a large and complex environment. A key element of the role is managing a high volume of complex employee relations activity . This includes supporting line managers with disciplinary, grievance, capability and sickness absence matters, often in fast-moving operational contexts. You’ll need to apply sound judgement and HR best practice, while understanding and navigating the legal, cultural and people dynamics that underpin successful case resolution. However, the role also extends well beyond casework. As the HR Business Partner, you will play a leading role in designing and delivering strategic HR initiatives that contribute to leadership and management development, team effectiveness, and cultural change . You’ll work closely with senior Estates leaders to shape local people plans aligned to UCL’s wider goals — promoting inclusion, talent development, and a positive, respectful workplace culture. You will be part of the HR Business Partnering team supporting the President and Provost’s Office and Vice Presidents’ Office s, and report into the Senior HR Business Partner. You will also line manage a recently appointed Associate HR Business Partner , providing guidance and development support as they embed into the role. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across UCL HR, including our Centres of Expertise (e.g. Organisational Development, Reward, EDI and Policy), and local HR representatives embedded within the Estates Division. You’ll also be expected to build strong working relationships with other professional services partners, such as those in Finance, IT and Communications. The Estates Division is a dynamic and evolving environment, and you’ll need to bring a confident, pragmatic and flexible approach, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including senior operational leaders. This is a role that will suit someone who enjoys working in a complex landscape, and who thrives on building trust, navigating diverse viewpoints, and delivering meaningful impact. Please note, this is a hybrid-working role and will be based onsite at our London St Pancras/Kings Cross offices 2-days a week on a Monday and Tuesday. Job Ref: C14-00151 Closing Date: 18-06-2025– 23:59 (UK time) About You We’re looking for an accomplished HR professional with a strong foundation in employee relations, coupled with the interpersonal and strategic skills needed to influence and support change across a diverse, fast-paced environment. You Will Be Able To Demonstrate The Following Substantial experience in a senior HR advisory or HR Business Partner role, ideally within a large, unionised or complex organisation Expertise in handling complex and sensitive employee relations cases, with a focus on resolution, fairness and risk management Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to quickly establish credibility and influence at all levels — particularly with senior operational leaders A background in delivering people strategies, cultural change programmes or leadership development initiatives that drive meaningful organisational impact Experience in supporting, coaching or managing more early career HR colleagues, with a commitment to team development and capability-building Confidence working with data and insight to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement A collaborative and inclusive mindset, aligned to UCL’s values and its ambition to be a sector leader in equality, diversity and inclusion. Although not essential, any experience working within the higher education sector would be beneficial. What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan Immigration loan Relocation scheme for certain posts On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme:Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance Visithttps://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefitsto find out more. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Available documents Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download. download: HR BP_JD_Grade 8_Oct 2023 1.docx #J-18808-Ljbffr
Human Resources Business Partner (Estates) employer: UCL AI Centre
Contact Detail:
UCL AI Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner (Estates)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UCL's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will help you align your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their culture during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former HR professionals at UCL or similar institutions. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the role and the organisational culture, which you can leverage in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex employee relations cases. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate sensitive situations will be crucial in showcasing your fit for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and best practices in HR, particularly in the higher education sector. Being knowledgeable about industry developments will not only enhance your credibility but also show your commitment to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner (Estates)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR, particularly in employee relations and strategic initiatives. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the HR Business Partner role at UCL. Mention specific experiences that align with their values of inclusion and cultural change, and how you can contribute to their goals.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. For example, discuss how you successfully managed complex employee relations cases or led initiatives that improved workplace culture.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your approach to handling sensitive employee relations issues or your experience in influencing change. Be ready to provide examples that reflect your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL AI Centre
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of the HR Business Partner role. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with managing complex employee relations and supporting leadership development.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role requires strong relationship-building abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders at various levels, particularly senior leaders, and how you've navigated diverse viewpoints in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Approach
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've handled sensitive employee relations cases. Highlight your approach to resolution, fairness, and risk management, showcasing your sound judgement and HR best practices.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
UCL values diversity and inclusion, so be sure to express your commitment to these principles. Share any relevant experiences where you've contributed to cultural change or supported initiatives that promote equality and diversity in the workplace.