Lead HR Business Partner

Are you an experienced HR leader who thrives on building trusted partnerships and shaping organisational success? We are seeking an exceptional Lead HR Business Partner to work closely with senior leaders across the University. In this strategic role, you will translate organisational priorities into impactful people strategies, deliver expert people solutions that support change and enhance performance, and help create an inclusive, high-performing culture where departments can achieve their ambitions.

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

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Human Resources, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, leading the development and implementation of people strategies that align with institutional objectives. You will work across complex organisational environments, helping leaders navigate change, develop workforce plans and build high-performing teams.

This is a highly influential role where you will identify emerging workforce challenges and opportunities, using data and insight to inform decision-making and deliver practical HR solutions. You will lead organisational change initiatives, oversee the delivery of key HR programmes, and support the development of positive employee relations across your institutions.

You will also play a key role in University wide projects, contributing to strategic initiatives that support the ongoing development of the University's people agenda and ensure the delivery of exceptional HR services.

What you will be doing

• Leading the development and delivery of strategic HR plans that support institutional objectives.
• Advising senior leaders on workforce planning, organisational design and people-related risk.
• Leading and supporting complex organisational change and transformation initiatives.
• Managing complex and sensitive employee relations matters where specialist judgement is required.
• Developing productive relationships with senior stakeholders, trade unions and HR colleagues.
• Leading HR and organisational development projects that support University priorities.
• Providing leadership and direction to HR teams, ensuring excellent service delivery and continuous improvement.

We are looking for someone who has

• Significant senior-level HR experience within a large, complex organisation.
• A proven track record of delivering strategic HR solutions and influencing organisational outcomes.
• Experience leading organisational change and transformation programmes.
• Strong people leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience contributing to organisation-wide strategies, plans and projects.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with trade unions and employee representatives.

Why join us?

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

• The opportunity to influence strategic decisions across a diverse and complex institution.
• Excellent professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Generous pension provision and 41 days annual leave including public holidays.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Access to a wide range of health, wellbeing and family-friendly benefits.
• A supportive and inclusive community committed to excellence, innovation and collaboration.

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

How to Apply

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 25 November 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.