Please note interviews on 20 July 2026 are to be in person.
About Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.
Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.
Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.
By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Strategic People Partner to join our People Partnering Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality services across the University.
Reporting to the Head of People Partnering, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting a culture of continuous improvement across the University. Working as an integral member of the Senior People Partnering Team, you will proactively identify, plan, and meet workforce needs through a coaching and facilitative approach, directly contributing to the delivery of the University’s strategic objectives.
You will be an experienced Strategic People Partner with a genuine passion for people, service excellence, and transformational change. With a strong grasp of the full range of people management practices, you will bring a holistic understanding of the business partnering function and the processes and policies that underpin effective and strategic people engagement.
You will have:
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Proven experience advising and consulting with senior leaders.
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Excellent people management and relationship-building skills.
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The confidence and communication skills to influence, challenge, and support senior stakeholders.
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A creative mindset, seeing opportunities in every challenge.
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A collaborative, open and honest approach that builds trust.
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The courage to offer high challenge and high support, always aligned with the University’s values and mission.
Key Responsibilities
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Partner with senior leaders to provide strategic People & Culture advice, supporting organisational priorities, workforce planning, and change initiatives.
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Lead the development and implementation of People & Culture policies, strategies, and projects, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
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Build strong relationships with Schools, Departments, and staff representatives to deliver effective people solutions and enhance stakeholder engagement.
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Coach, influence, and develop managers to build confidence and capability in leading and managing people.
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Drive continuous improvement by using HR data, KPIs, and workforce insights to inform decision-making and enhance service delivery.
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Promote the University's values by supporting fair, inclusive, and evidence-based People & Culture practices that reflect the University's legal and regulatory responsibilities.
Essential Requirements
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Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) and Chartered MCIPD status (or working towards Chartered membership).
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Significant experience as an HR/People Business Partner, providing strategic advice and support to senior leaders.
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Demonstrable experience of leading complex employee relations casework and applying employment law in a pragmatic, solutions-focused way.
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Experience of developing and implementing people strategies, workforce plans, HR policies, or organisational change initiatives.
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Strong influencing, coaching, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and support effective decision-making.
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Experience of leading or developing HR teams, projects, or specialist areas of HR practice.
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Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver training and engage a wide range of audiences.
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Strong analytical and organisational skills, with experience of using HR systems and workforce data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
Desirable Requirements
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Qualified Coach/Mentor.
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Substantial experience in designing workforce strategies.
Further Information
You’ll be part of a forward-thinking university that values innovation, diversity, and continuous development. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and this role offers the chance to make a real and lasting impact.
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of People Partnering Team, we would love to hear from you.
Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: Interactive Map | Birmingham City University
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.
Why work for us
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Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
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Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
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Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
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Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Visa Sponsorship
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
