About the Role
The University of York is seeking a dynamic HR Partner to join our Directorate of Human Resources, People and Organisational Development for a 12 month fixed-term contract.
The successful candidate will be a senior HR professional who excels at combining strategic business partnering with strong trade union relations and progressive policy design and implementation?
This is a varied role as you will demonstrate your ability to act as a trusted strategic HR partner to our executive leadership, primarily working alongside Deans of Academic Faculties and Directors of Professional Services, to translate institutional priorities into tailored local people plans and actions. At the same time, you will support the University’s Employee Relations strategy, building collaborative relationships with recognised trade unions, and supporting the policy review requirements aligned to our strategic HR and Finance Transformation Programme. There will also be leadership and involvement in a number of key high profile projects to support the organisation following our recent University Strategy refresh.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic HR Business Partnering: Act as a strategic consultant to Deans and Directors, coaching leaders, building leadership capability, and navigating complex organisational change.
- Employee Relations & Union Engagement: Support our institutional ER strategy and dispute resolution, acting at times as the interface with local, regional, and national trade unions and employer associations.
- Policy Strategy & Governance: Support with the development, communication, and execution of a medium-term HR policy plan; author high-level strategic discussion papers for key executive groups such as UEB and the Operations Group.
- Large-Scale Organisational Change: Lead major institutional projects, which may include formal consultation and negotiation regarding Terms & Conditions, Pay, and Reward frameworks.
- Insights & Inclusion: Utilise HR metrics to identify strategic risks and opportunities, ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded across all HR solutions and project designs.
About You
We are looking for a proactive, visionary HR leader who brings:
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent mid-to-senior HR experience.
- Proven Union & ER Expertise: HR experience in a large, complex, unionised environment, with demonstrated expertise in collective bargaining, dispute resolution, and union negotiation.
- Strategic Stakeholder Impact: A track record of acting as a trusted advisor to senior executives, equipped with the confidence to challenge constructively and guide high-level decisions.
- In-Depth Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law, equality legislation, Employment Tribunal practices, and key Higher Education trends.
- Collaborative Leadership: Strong communication, project management, and relationship-building skills, paired with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-performing organisational culture.
Why Join Us?
At the University of York, we foster an inclusive, supportive, and flexible workplace culture. You will work alongside dedicated teams, lead high-visibility institutional projects, and play a key role in supporting our academic and operational excellence.
This is a 12 month fixed-term post and internal secondments are welcomed.
Interview date: week commencing 7 September 2026.
For informal enquiries: please contact Suzy Shelton at suzy.shelton@york.ac.uk
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Human Resources Partner employer: University of York
The University of York is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment within its Legal Services team. With flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to equality, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful legal work that impacts the university community. Located on a vibrant campus, the university fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an attractive place for talented solicitors to advance their careers.
