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- Tasks: Provide strategic HR support and advice to managers across the University.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the University of Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people management and influence the University's strategy.
- Qualifications: CIPD-qualified with proven HR experience and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 46049 - 58225 £ per year.
Overview
- FTE: 0.8 FTE (working 29.6 hours per week)
- Duration of Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term Maternity Cover
- Salary: Grade UH8 £46,049 to £58,225 per annum pro-rata by annual increments on achieving designated skills & experience
- Annual Leave: 30 days pro-rata plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year
- Location: Bishop Square, Hatfield, University of Hertfordshire
Business Partnering Team
Our business partnering team provides solution-focused, practical, hands-on advice to managers and staff across our University and its subsidiary companies. The team are highly valued by our managers and are their primary contact for all people-related matters. Our business partners are the conduit between our wider HR team and our Strategic Business Units (SBUs) and operate with a high degree of autonomy but work closely together to achieve success for each unit and consistency of approach for the University as a whole.
Main duties and responsibilities
We are looking for an experienced, committed and proactive CIPD-qualified candidate to join our team of excellent HR Business Partners who contribute to and influence the University’s Strategy. The Business Partners are responsible for day to day strategic and operational support for the Strategic Business Units with a full generalist remit which will include assisting managers at an early stage in identifying the HR implications of change management strategies and workforce planning. The successful candidate will coach and influence managers in order to develop their people management/leadership skills and constructively challenge inappropriate behaviours/actions appropriately.
Skills and experience required
You will have had appropriate proven HR case work experience, including but not limited to disciplinary processes, grievance, absence management and claims of harassment and bullying as well as supporting change management projects. Ideally you will also have had experience of working with trade unions and ideally experience in the public sector environment. Experience of developing and executing workshops for staff and managers would be advantageous. Experience of working with key stakeholders in a partnering relationship and the ability to prioritise several sometimes conflicting demands is essential. You will have excellent communication skills and good presentation skills as well as the ability to negotiate and persuade colleagues and develop professional working relationships. Proven ability to work independently on own initiative whilst contributing to the team and demonstrating consistency is essential.
Qualifications required
You will be educated with a Degree or equivalent, or substantial proven work experience. You must also hold a professional HR qualification and CIPD membership.
Additional information
Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification. Internal applicants – please ensure you apply via your employee self-service portal. We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made.
Contact details
Informal enquiries should be made to: Hawa Rahim, Senior HR Business Partner (Business Partnering Team), h.rahim@herts.ac.uk
Closing Date
Closing Date: 05 May 2026
Interview Date: TBC
Reference Number: REQ000711
HR Business Partner in Hatfield employer: University of Hertfordshire
Contact Detail:
University of Hertfordshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who might know about opportunities at the University of Hertfordshire. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s values and recent initiatives. We want to see how you can align your experience with their goals, so think about specific examples that showcase your skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. You’ll likely be asked about handling disciplinary processes or change management, so having clear, concise examples ready will help you shine during the interview.
✨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 our team at the University of Hertfordshire.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure to customise your personal statement to highlight how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the HR Business Partner role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and the University’s strategy!
Showcase Your HR Experience: When detailing your HR case work experience, be specific about your involvement in disciplinary processes, grievance handling, and change management projects. We love seeing real examples that demonstrate your expertise and proactive approach.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, don’t forget to mention any experiences where you’ve successfully influenced or coached managers. We’re looking for those standout moments that show off your ability to build professional relationships.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Hertfordshire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of an HR Business Partner. Brush up on your knowledge of change management, grievance processes, and how to effectively coach managers. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with HR casework, especially in areas like disciplinary processes and absence management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges or the team dynamics. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Tailor Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly outlines how your skills and experiences align with the person specification. Highlight your CIPD qualifications and any relevant public sector experience to stand out from the crowd.