We are currently partnering with a leading higher education institution to recruit a permanent HR People Partner. This is a full‑time position based in Manchester, offering a hybrid working pattern (2 days from home) and a competitive salary of £58,000-£67,000 per annum.

This is a strategic, high‑impact role, working closely with senior leaders to shape people plans, influence key decisions, and support organisational‑wide change initiatives. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving long‑term workforce strategy and ensuring alignment with the institution's future goals.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):  

• Building trusted relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders, acting as a strategic advisor on people, performance, and organisational development
• Partnering with senior leaders to create and deliver people plans that support the organisation's strategic objectives up to 2030
• Providing expert analysis and challenge to inform strategic decisions, including workforce planning, change management, wellbeing, and cultural development
• Supporting major change programmes, ensuring effective implementation and compliance with statutory obligations
• Driving enhanced performance by analysing key metrics, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending action to improve outcomes
• Using data, insights, and best practice to continuously improve People & Organisational Development services and support capability development across the organisation
• Ensuring full regulatory and legal compliance, coaching leaders on risk, governance, and people-related responsibilities

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Extensive HR experience with strong exposure to strategic business partnering in a large or complex organisation
• Confident working autonomously and influencing senior leaders with evidence‑based insight
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills across all levels
• Ability to analyse complex people data, identify trends, and develop strategic, actionable solutions
• Proven track record of managing complex employee relations matters and engaging with trade unions
• Experience leading workforce planning and supporting organisational change
• Deep knowledge of employment law, HR policy, and best‑practice people management
• CIPD Chartered Membership (or equivalent experience)
• Proactive, forward‑thinking approach with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups

Rewards and Benefits:

• 2 days home working
• 34 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Excellent benefits package

Working hours:

• 37 hours per week
• Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm (core hours)

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.

James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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