Head of HR

35 hours per week 

The Opportunity: 

Together we can do great things. Be part of something bigger.

The University of Edinburgh isn’t just any employer. We are a world class organisation, and our people make an ongoing contribution to global thinking, progress and research. You will be working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. Our people have helped create the modern world and are working on more ground-breaking technologies and practices. As part of the University of Edinburgh, you’ll be making a difference to everything around you. 

We are a large University covering a wide range of activities. In Professional Services, we support the University’s research and teaching, offering many career and role specialisms. 

As Head of HR Partnering, you will lead the delivery of HR within an aligned area, leading and developing a team of Business Partners to provide a comprehensive professional service supporting both strategic and operational activity.  

This leadership position requires an experienced HR professional with a deep understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges in a multi-stakeholder and complex organisation. With a successful track record of delivering complex change at scale, you will partner with stakeholders across the University on a range of strategic initiatives, leading on all matters relating to HR. You will have regular engagement with trade union representatives and work collaboratively on our plans. 

People have always been at the heart of our work. As part of the University, you are a part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful/personalised flexibility for you.  

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:  

• Working within one of the world’s leading universities 
• Interesting work which offers variety every day  
• Responsibility and autonomy to make a difference 
• Contributing to the work and purpose of the University  

This post is full-time however; we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. 

Closing date: 3 November 2026 at 11:59 pm

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