People Business Partner

University of Bradford 

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last two years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Position Overview and Key responsibilities

The University of Bradford is currently during a major phase of transformational change, shaped by a university-wide Cost Reduction Strategy and development of a new Target Operating Model. As part of this work, we’re seeking two experienced People Business Partners (Grade 9) to join our team on a maternity cover basis.

These roles are integral to the successful delivery of complex organisational change. Working within a highly supportive People function and a wider transformation programme team, you will collaborate with project managers, workstream leads, and senior stakeholders to shape and implement people-focused solutions.

Alongside supporting institutional change, you’ll also provide high-quality business partnering to a designated faculty or directorate — advising on workforce planning, organisational design, and people-related risk. Flexibility and a hands-on approach are essential: from coordinating a voluntary redundancy scheme to navigating employee relations issues, no two days will look the same.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments and wants to make a meaningful impact on the future of our organisation.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience as a People Business Partner in a complex, unionised organisation.
• A strong track record supporting or leading transformational change, such as restructures, redesigns or cost-saving programmes.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Practical understanding of employment law, HR policy and change management.
• The ability to balance strategic insight with hands-on delivery and adapt to shifting priorities.
• A clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.

In Return we Offer: 

• 30 days annual leave and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas). 
• Family-friendly policies 
• Great campus facilities including: 
• Unique fitness centre 
• Eye clinic 
• Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation, 
• Counselling & mental health services 
• On site nursery 
• Food & drink outlets 
• Generous employer contribution pension schemes
• Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts. Find more information about the many other benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and campus nursery.

For informal enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Gill Wilson, ER and People Advisory Manager - G.Wilson8@bradford.ac.uk. 

Confronting Inequality : Celebrating Diversity

At the University of Bradford we accept people for who they are regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.  

In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics.  The University has a number of staff networks which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff who hold these and other identities.

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