Head of People Partnering and Operations in Cheltenham

Head of People Partnering and Operations in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Full-Time 60000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Gloucestershire

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop People Partnering and Operations for a high-quality service.
  • Company: Join a values-led university with a rich heritage and commitment to innovation.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, committed to supporting under-represented groups.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in HR leadership while fostering an inclusive community.
  • Qualifications: Extensive HR leadership experience and strong understanding of employment law.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 £ per year.

Your normal place of work will be Pittville Campus, although you may be required to work across University sites and in line with the University’s agile working arrangements.

We are looking for an experienced, collaborative and value-led HR leader to join us as our Head of People Partnering and Operations. Reporting to the Director of People, this is a key leadership role within the People Function, with responsibility for leading our People Partnering service and providing oversight of People Operations. You will directly manage our 3 People Partners who have responsibility for the People Advisors and Administrators and the Operations Partner, helping to ensure a high-quality, inclusive and professional service across the University.

This is a 12-month fixed-term opportunity offered at 0.6 FTE, ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking with strong operational judgement and who enjoys leading through others to deliver high-quality people outcomes.

Building on a proud heritage dating back to 1847, the University combines academic excellence with a strong focus on innovation, community partnership and practical, real-world learning. We are a values-led institution, with values of Integrity, Nurture, Ambition, Curiosity and Sustainability.

Our People Function supports the University through a partnering and operational model that brings together strategic people support, advisory expertise, operational delivery, data and continuous improvement. You will join a values-led, collaborative team committed to delivering an inclusive, professional and high-quality service across the University.

  • Lead and develop our People Partnering and Operations activities, ensuring consistency, quality and a positive customer experience across the University.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for complex employee relations matters, organisational change and wider people risk.
  • Lead key strategic People projects and help translate our People Strategy and priorities into practical delivery.
  • Support the Director of People with trade union relationships, consultation and engagement.
  • Ensure effective alignment between partnering, operations, people data, policy and service improvement.

Substantial senior HR / People leadership experience in a complex organisation. Strong experience of leading HR Business Partnering / People Partnering and/or People Operations services. A track record of managing complex employee relations matters and supporting organisational change. The ability to lead through others, build capability and drive service improvement. A strong understanding of employment law, people risk and inclusive practice. Experience of using people data and insight to shape decisions and improve services.

The University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff community and welcomes applications from currently under-represented sections of our workforce. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, guaranteeing an interview to everyone who meets the definition of disability set out in the Equality Act 2010 and the essential criteria contained within the person specification.

Head of People Partnering and Operations in Cheltenham employer: University of Gloucestershire

The University offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment at Pittville Campus, where collaboration and innovation are at the heart of our values-led culture. As an employer, we prioritise employee growth through strategic leadership opportunities and a commitment to diversity, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the community. Join us to be part of a proud institution that values integrity, ambition, and sustainability, all while enjoying the benefits of agile working arrangements.

University of Gloucestershire

Contact Details:

University of Gloucestershire Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Partnering and Operations in Cheltenham

HR Leadership
People Partnering
People Operations
Employee Relations
Organisational Change Management
Strategic Thinking
Operational Judgement