HR Business Partner (Fixed Term)

We are looking for an experienced HR professional to join the University of Cambridge as an HR Business Partner within the School of Clinical Medicine.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic and operational HR support across a diverse portfolio, helping to shape workforce planning, employee experience and organisational effectiveness within one of the world's leading academic institutions.

We encourage early applications as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.

About the role

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 June 2029 in the first instance.

Working closely with departmental leaders and external partners, you will provide expert HR business partnering support across a broad range of areas including workforce planning, employee relations, organisational change, EDI, medical staffing, and reward. The role supports approximately 750 staff and 250 visitors and contributes to both School-wide and University-wide HR initiatives.

You will play a key role in delivering innovative people solutions, supporting managers through complex people matters, and helping to create an inclusive and high-performing culture.

What you will be doing

• Partnering with managers and senior leaders to deliver HR and workforce plans.
• Providing expert advice on employee relations matters, including complex casework and organisational change.
• Supporting workforce planning, resourcing and business transformation projects.
• Leading and supporting EDI, engagement and employee experience initiatives.
• Contributing to reward, recognition and talent development activity.
• Coaching managers and developing people management capability across the School.

We are looking for someone who has

• Significant HR experience in a generalist or specialist environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, employee relations and organisational change.
• Experience advising and influencing managers on people-related matters.
• Excellent communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience delivering HR projects and driving improvement initiatives.
• CIPD qualification or equivalent professional experience.

Why join us?

Alongside working in a collaborative and supportive environment, the University of Cambridge offers a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Development opportunities such as LinkedIn Learning, job shadowing and career pathways.
• 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and a highly competitive pension scheme.
• Hybrid working with flexibility in how you arrange your office days.
• A wide range of discounts at local retailers and thousands of national brands.
• Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym access and the Staff Counselling Service.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.

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.

For this role, all applications will be managed by Spirehouse Recruitment. To apply, please send your CV to cambridge@spirehouse.co.uk

For further information about the role, please contact Abbie Carr (Executive Consultant), abbie@spirehouse.co.uk

Closing date: Wednesday 30 September 2026

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.

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