Assistant Director of HR (Business Partnering) in Leicester

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a highly influential senior HR leadership role at the University of Leicester. As Assistant Director of HR (Business Partnering), you will be a key member of the HR Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Deputy Director of HR to shape and deliver an ambitious People Strategy that will make a tangible difference across our Colleges and Professional Services.

The Assistant Director role will lead our HR Business Partner/Advisory team. In this high-profile and influential position, you will provide strategic leadership and comprehensive HR partnering services across the University. You will play a pivotal role in leading complex employee relations issues, shaping transformation design, service development, culture change, reward processes, engagement strategies, and workforce planning. Through the delivery of a professional HR Service, the role will ensure the University maintains high standards of best HR practice that reflects changing employment legislation and trends.

This is a role with real breadth, visibility and impact. From shaping organisational culture and strengthening workforce planning to driving continuous improvement and building trusted relationships across the University and beyond, you will have the opportunity to create lasting positive change. It is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced HR leader who wants to help shape the future of a complex, ambitious and values-driven institution.

You will be a strategic and credible HR professional with substantial experience operating at a senior level within a large and complex organisation. Professionally qualified to Chartered CIPD Level 7 standard, you will bring a strong track record of leading HR teams, delivering organisational change, projects and influencing senior stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

Alongside your practical HR expertise, you will be recognised for your ability to think strategically, develop innovative solutions, and translate organisational priorities into practical action. You will have the confidence and judgement to navigate complex people issues, build trusted relationships with senior leaders and trade union representatives, and provide expert advice across a broad range of workforce matters.

This is a role for someone who enjoys working at pace, thrives on influencing complex agendas, and is excited by the opportunity to make a lasting contribution.

First stage selection is anticipated to take place on 13 November 2026, and final stage selection is anticipated to take place on 27 November 2026.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.