HR Business Partner

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

Previous applicants who applied for REQ000841 and REQ000711 do not need to reapply for this requisition.

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. You will also have experience of working with trade unions and experience of working in a public sector environment. Experience of developing and executing workshops for staff and managers is also essential. 

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. 

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: Informal enquiries should be made to Hawa Rahim, Senior HR Business Partner (Business Partnering Team), h.rahim@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 19 October 2026

Interview Date: TBC

Reference Number: REQ000889

Our vision is to transform lives and UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics. We recognise there is currently an under-representation of male staff within the HR department, therefore we particularly encourage applications from male candidates. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK,  discounted Sports Village memberships, personal and professional development and family friendly policies. #GoHerts.

£51,258 to £59,390 pa pro rata by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience, UH8