At a Glance
- Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and people management in a dynamic university environment.
- Company: Join the University of Brighton, a values-led institution embracing transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working hours, generous leave, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace promoting diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff and students while shaping a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Strong HR knowledge, experience with complex cases, and CIPD Level 5 qualification.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 48822 £ per year.
The University of Brighton is seeking an experienced and confident People Partner to join our People Department and play a key role in supporting our academic and professional services community. In this role, you will partner closely with managers and leaders across the university, providing high‑quality, pragmatic advice on employee relations and people management in a unionised environment. You’ll support complex casework, change management, and the application of people policies, while coaching managers to build capability and confidence in line with our values and future‑focused strategy.
Key Requirements
- Strong knowledge of employment law and sound HR practice
- Experience of handling complex HR cases at all levels
- The ability to influence and build trusted relationships with stakeholders
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience)
This is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact in a values‑led university which is going through a period of transformation as we realise our exciting new ‘Distinctively Brighton’ strategy, working on meaningful people issues that support our staff and students to thrive. This is a full time (37.0 hours per week), permanent position, and we welcome applications from candidates seeking to job share. Interviews will be held on 20 May 2026.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary with generous pension contributions, flexible working hours with opportunities for some remote work, and a comprehensive annual leave package that includes time off over Christmas. We also provide access to the Cycle scheme and discounted sports membership, which includes fitness classes and gym access.
Equality and Diversity
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for all staff regardless of age, disability, family or caring responsibilities, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief (including non‑belief), sex and sexual orientation. We embrace equality and diversity in our working, learning, research and teaching environment and are committed to maintaining a supportive and inclusive community. We particularly encourage applicants from Minority Ethnic backgrounds because the University is under‑represented by Minority Ethnic staff. For the vast majority of our roles we operate an agile working system, with time split between working on campus and at the employee's home. It is the University's expectation that home working will take place within the UK.
People Partner in Brighton employer: University of Brighton
Contact Detail:
University of Brighton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Brighton on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely aligns with their 'Distinctively Brighton' strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. We want to see how you handle complex casework and employee relations, so be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People Partner role. Highlight your experience with employment law and HR practices, and show how you can support our academic and professional services community.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your ability to handle complex HR cases and build trusted relationships. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've influenced stakeholders and managed change.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for creating an inclusive environment and how you align with our values and future-focused strategy.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Brighton
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on your knowledge of employment law and HR practices. Since the role involves providing advice in a unionised environment, being well-versed in relevant legislation will help you demonstrate your expertise and confidence during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Casework Experience
Prepare specific examples of complex HR cases you've handled. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced, how you approached them, and the outcomes. This will show your ability to manage difficult situations effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Practice building relationships during the interview. Use active listening and engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and the university's culture. This will help you establish trust and show your interpersonal skills.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the university's 'Distinctively Brighton' strategy and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their transformation goals, making it clear that you're not just looking for a job, but a meaningful role.