People Business Partner
Professional Services
Directorate of People and Culture
Salary: £48,149 to £55,755 per annum Role 1 - 1 FTE September to end of January 2026. Role 2 - 0.8 FTE from mid October for 12 months (subject to final sign off) Post Type: Full Time Contract Type: Maternity Cover Closing Date: Wednesday 27 August 2025 Interview Date: To be confirmed Reference: HR0176480-2
This job is only available to University of Bradford staff. It may be released externally should we not appoint internally.
University of Bradford
At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last two years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Position Overview and Key responsibilities
The University of Bradford is currently during a major phase of transformational change, shaped by a university-wide Cost Reduction Strategy and development of a new Target Operating Model. As part of this work, we’re seeking two experienced People Business Partners (Grade 9) to join our team on a maternity cover basis.
These roles are integral to the successful delivery of complex organisational change. Working within a highly supportive People function and a wider transformation programme team, you will collaborate with project managers, workstream leads, and senior stakeholders to shape and implement people-focused solutions.
Alongside supporting institutional change, you’ll also provide high-quality business partnering to a designated faculty or directorate — advising on workforce planning, organisational design, and people-related risk. Flexibility and a hands-on approach are essential: from coordinating a voluntary redundancy scheme to navigating employee relations issues, no two days will look the same.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments and wants to make a meaningful impact on the future of our organisation.
We’re looking for someone who has:
1. Proven experience as a People Business Partner in a complex, unionised organisation.
2. A strong track record supporting or leading transformational change, such as restructures, redesigns or cost-saving programmes.
3. Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
4. Practical understanding of employment law, HR policy and change management.
5. The ability to balance strategic insight with hands-on delivery and adapt to shifting priorities.
6. A clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work.
In Return we Offer:
7. 30 days annual leave and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
8. Family-friendly policies
9. Great campus facilities including:
10. Unique fitness centre
11. Eye clinic
12. Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
13. Counselling & mental health services
14. On site nursery
15. Food & drink outlets
16. Generous employer contribution pension schemes
17. Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts. Find more information about the many other .