Location & Salary
Location: High Wycombe
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary Range: £44,746 - £56,535
Hours per week: 37
Closing Date: 09/03/2026
Ref No: 1998
Overview
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.
What We Offer
* a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
* Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
* training & development support opportunities
* contributory pension scheme
* discounted gym membership for our on‑site gym
* a range of staff discounts with major retailers
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact the People team at [email address omitted]. All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to the People team for any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e‑learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Closing Date: 9 March 2026
Interview Date: W/C 16 March 2026
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
Job Description
Job Title: People Business Partner
College/Professional Service: People
Grade: H
Location: High Wycombe
Hours: 37
Responsible to: Chief People Officer
Responsible for: Dotted line responsibility for the People Operations Advisor supporting the business area.
Job Purpose
You will be a member of the People Business Partner team by acting as the key strategic interface between People and specific business areas within the University to proactively support and add value in delivering their business objectives, promoting good People practices, and supporting the University in achieving its key strategic aims. You will lead or advise on people issues, working in partnership with key managers and stakeholders to deliver effective People interventions and maximise service delivery. You will be responsible for designated projects within People, business areas and the wider University. You will practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.
Main duties & responsibilities of the role
Provide expert People advice and guidance and deliver best practice human resource management services within designated business areas or across the wider University. Provide advice that balances employment legislation alongside a commercial approach. Provide integrated People support to the business area management teams, translating department plans into specific People requirements and ensuring that these are delivered. Work closely with managers and other key stakeholders to establish and support organisational initiatives that will support the development and growth of university business, organisational effectiveness and cultural change.
* Coach & support managers to ensure they fulfil the people management aspects of their role. Work with managers to strengthen their skill-sets and behaviours and raise their capability to lead and manage change.
* Ensure that people issues are integrated into the University’s planning cycle and effectively delivered in designated business areas.
* Initiate, manage and monitor teams/projects to deliver People programmes in line with University strategy and People professional service plans.
* Fully participate in wider business projects with a People focus.
* Work in partnership with People colleagues to ensure consistent, proactive People support and activity is focused to deliver the overall University and Talent Strategy agenda.
* Scope and challenge existing People policies and practices with appropriate People specialists and seek to continuously improve the services provided to the business. Write new policies and procedures in line with good practice and changes in employment law.
* Provide guidance to the People Operations Advisory Team and support and ensure that it meets service standards for designated business areas.
* Take ownership of own development through effective use of the Personal Development Review (PDR) process.
* Supervisory duties including motivating and supporting team members, giving direction and feedback, ensuring adequate staffing cover, and having an agile approach to change.
* Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
* Any other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Education, Qualifications & Training
* CIPD qualified
* Degree or equivalent job related experience
Knowledge & Experience
* Strong HR generalist with excellent knowledge of best practice across the HR spectrum.
* Strong employee relations skills and experience underpinned by a comprehensive knowledge of employment legislation.
* Experience of working within a Business Partnering model, collaborating closely with managers and key stakeholders.
* Track record of influencing and coaching managers to meet the needs of the organisation.
* Experience of leading or active involvement in organisational change initiatives including management of restructuring and consultation processes.
* Proven experience of managing and/or implementing HR Projects.
* Skilled and experienced in developing, drafting and implementing HR policies, processes, practices and contracts of employment.
* Ability to analyse data, draw conclusions and make recommendations.
* Managing restructuring and consultation processes.
* Delivering an excellent customer service.
Skills
* Proven communication and interpersonal skills that command credibility and confidence.
* Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools.
* Ability to problem solve and put forward pragmatic solutions.
* Time management skills sufficient to deal with competing priorities.
* Competent IT skills including use of databases and MS Office.
Special Requirements
* Flexible approach within the function and team.
Behavioural Indicators
Delivering excellent service – Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long‑term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.
Engaging with the wider context – Enhancing your contribution to the University through an understanding of University values, its students, customers and stakeholders.
Achieving results – Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
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