At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop People Partnering and Operations for a vibrant university.
- Company: Join the University of Gloucestershire, a modern institution with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work environment and contribute to meaningful people outcomes.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led team committed to continuous improvement and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR leadership while fostering an inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Grade 9 | 0.6 FTE (22.2 hours per week) | 12-month fixed-term contract
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 FTE, ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking with strong operational judgement and who enjoys leading through others to deliver high-quality people outcomes.
About the University of Gloucestershire
The University of Gloucestershire is a vibrant, modern institution spanning campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, serving over 11,000 students with over 900 dedicated staff. 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.
About the team
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.
What you will be doing:
- 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.
- Work with senior leaders and managers across the University to provide credible, pragmatic and solution-focused people leadership.
- Ensure effective alignment between partnering, operations, people data, policy and service improvement.
What we are looking for:
- 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 confidence to work credibly with senior stakeholders and trade union representatives.
- 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.
Key Dates:
- Closing Date: 21st June 2026
- Shortlisting Date: 22nd June 2026
- Interview Dates: 25th & 26th June 2026
To avoid disappointment please apply early, should we find a suitable candidate we will close the advert. 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 & Operations in Gloucester employer: University of Gloucestershire
The University of Gloucestershire is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional development. With a commitment to values such as Integrity, Nurture, and Sustainability, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages growth and innovation, all while working in the picturesque settings of Cheltenham and Gloucester. This role not only provides the opportunity to lead impactful HR initiatives but also to contribute to a community-focused institution dedicated to real-world learning and diversity.
Contact Details:
University of Gloucestershire Recruitment Team
