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- Tasks: Support managers with employee relations and people management in a dynamic university environment.
- Company: Join the University of Brighton, a values-led institution focused on transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, generous leave, and access to fitness facilities.
- Other info: Agile working system with opportunities for job sharing and remote work.
- 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 employer: University of Brighton
Contact Detail:
University of Brighton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work in universities or similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the University of Brighton's values and their 'Distinctively Brighton' strategy. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled complex HR cases and built relationships with stakeholders. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your expertise.
✨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 proactive and engaged with our hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace People Partner
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 Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience handling complex HR cases and building relationships with stakeholders. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous positions!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you a great fit for our values-led university. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for people management!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like 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 to discuss specific examples of complex HR cases you've handled. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you navigated challenges, as this will show your ability to manage similar situations at the University of Brighton.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can illustrate your ability to influence and build trusted relationships. Share anecdotes that showcase your interpersonal skills and how you've successfully collaborated with managers and leaders in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the University’s 'Distinctively Brighton' strategy and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting staff and students to thrive.