HR Business Partner

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As a University we are dedicated to outstanding research, excellent education, and a vibrant, inclusive community. Much more than a university, Manchester Met is a place where ambitious people unite, where diverse voices are valued, and where world‑class facilities meet exceptional minds to transform lives.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential.

Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together.

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated and forward-thinking HR Business Partner (HRBP) to join our People & Organisational Development Directorate.

As HRBP, you will act as a strategic partner to senior leaders, shaping and delivering people plans that support the University's Road to 2030 strategy. You will bring insight, challenge, and expertise (using data, analytics, and strong commercial acumen to influence decision‑making and drive organisational effectiveness).

Working collaboratively with colleagues across POD, including Employee Relations, Reward, EDI, Organisational Development and Resourcing/Recruitment, you will play a key role in shaping culture, managing risk, supporting change, and ensuring our people strategies are impactful, future‑focused, and aligned to University priorities.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Building trusted, influential relationships with senior leaders
• Leading and shaping People Plans that support long‑term organisational objectives
• Using people data and insight to identify trends, diagnose issues, and inform strategic action
• Acting as a key partner in organisational change, workforce planning and performance improvement
• Managing complex employee relations matters in partnership with specialist teams
• Driving a culture of continuous improvement and championing the Great Place to Work Strategy
• Ensuring compliance with employment law, University policies, and statutory obligations
• Supporting leaders to build capability, manage risk and embed a positive organisational culture

This is a high‑impact role suited to a confident, autonomous HR professional who thrives in a complex, dynamic environment.

About You

You will be an experienced HR professional with significant exposure to strategic business partnering in a large or complex organisation. You'll be comfortable navigating senior‑level discussions, providing evidence‑based insight, and influencing decision‑making across a wide range of people‑related priorities.

To be successful in this post you will bring:

• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• The ability to analyse complex people data, identify trends and develop strategic solutions
• Experience of managing complex employee relations issues and trade union engagement
• A proven ability to lead workforce planning and support organisational change
• Deep knowledge of employment law, HR policy, best practice and people management approaches
• CIPD Chartered Membership (or equivalent)
• A proactive, forward‑thinking approach, with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively across a wide organisational landscape

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification, found in the Job Description.

For informal queries about the role please contact Senior HRBP, Zoe Bodnarec Z.Bodnarec@mmu.ac.uk

Further information:

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. 

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. 

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. 

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.