Senior HR Business Partner [Temporary Cover]

Are you an accomplished HR leader with a proven track record in people management, driving high-performing teams, and delivering innovative, high-quality HR services? The Department of Engineering, at the University of Cambridge, is seeking a strategic and dynamic Senior HR Business Partner to join our dedicated HR team.

About the Role:

As Senior HR Business Partner, you will be part of the central HR Division, but will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering strategic and operational HR services across the Department of Engineering, supporting over 900 employees and 250 visitors. Reporting to the Lead HR Business Partner for the School of Technology, you will work closely with the Head of the Department of Engineering, managing a team who deliver a comprehensive portfolio of services, including:

• HR business partnering
• Workforce planning
• Resourcing
• Pay and reward
• Supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

Your leadership will ensure Departmental HR strategies are aligned with the Department's academic vision, together with the School of Technology and University's People Strategies, while addressing the unique challenges of a diverse workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop your team to ensure a high-performing, customer-focused approach to service delivery.
• Develop and implement HR and workforce plans that meet the strategic needs of the Department, School and University.
• Provide expert advice and innovative solutions to senior stakeholders on complex HR issues, including case management, policy development, and organisational change.
• Partner with senior leaders to deliver transformational HR initiatives that foster an inclusive and engaged workforce.

What You'll Bring

We are looking for an HR professional with:

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• A deep understanding of HR practices, including advising on employment law, managing complex cases, and driving organisational change.
• A proven track record of building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making, and leading on high-profile HR initiatives.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and delivering people-focused solutions.
• Familiarity with working in complex matrix organisations.

What we offer

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of a globally renowned University while working at the forefront of academic excellence. You'll enjoy:

• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to a vibrant community of leading researchers and industry partners.

Be part of a team making a real impact in one of the world's leading academic and research institutions.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 1 years or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Please upload a CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria for the role and your motivations for applying.

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to: Tracy Brooks.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please email: hrdivisionaladmin@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 21st September.

Interview Date: Tuesday 7th October.

Please quote reference AH47170 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

• Department/location: Human Resources Division
• Salary: £47,389-£59,966
• Reference: AH47170
• Category: Academic-related
• Date published: 5 September 2025
• Closing date: 21 September 2025