HR Business Partner
Harlow College, Harlow College, Velizy Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3LH17 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
12 October 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
25 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: Mon - Thurs 8.45 - 17.15 Fri 8.45 - 16.45
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £51,216 pa
What skills and experience we're looking for
We have an exciting opportunity to join Harlow College as an HR Business Partner, playing a key role in supporting our managers, leaders and staff across the whole organisation. As part of a forward-thinking HR team, you will be at the heart of driving positive workplace culture, organisational effectiveness and exceptional people practices.
We're looking for an experienced and proactive HR professional who thrives on building strong relationships, managing complex employee relations matters and partnering with leaders to deliver successful outcomes. If you're looking for a role where your expertise, ideas and influence will truly matter, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As HR Business Partner, you will provide expert advice and guidance across the full spectrum of employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, performance management, absence management, organisational change and restructures.
Working closely with senior leaders and managers, you will coach, challenge and support them to build high-performing teams, navigate complex people issues and ensure compliance with employment legislation and College policies.
This is an influential role with significant responsibility. You will deputise for the Executive Director of HR when required and lead the operational delivery of HR services across the College. From overseeing the employee lifecycle, recruitment and HR compliance to data reporting and safeguarding, you will help ensure our people processes are effective, compliant and fit for the future.
You will also lead and develop the HR team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and outstanding customer service.
What We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will:
- Be CIPD qualified to at least Level 5.
- Have extensive current experience operating within an HR Business Partner or equivalent senior generalist HR role, ideally within Further Education or the wider education sector.
- Be experienced in managing a busy employee relations caseload.
- Have experience of working effectively with Trade Unions.
- Possess extensive knowledge of employment law and its practical application.
- Demonstrate significant experience managing complex disciplinary, grievance, organisational change and restructuring processes.
- Have experience of leading, coaching and developing staff.
What the college offers its staff
What We Can Offer
In return, you'll join a supportive organisation that is committed to investing in its people. We will support your continued professional development.
Our excellent benefits package includes:
- 35 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
- A day off for your birthday.
- Additional 15 days of paid time off at Easter and Christmas.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives and support.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on college website (opens in new tab)About Harlow College
- Organisation type
- FE College, ages 16 to 99
- Education phase
- Sixth form or FE college
- Size
- No information available
- Age range
- 16 to 99
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Harlow College website
- Email address
- recruitmenthc@harlow-college.ac.uk
- Phone number
- 01279868000
College location
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