Head of People Partnering, Full time, Permanent

Location
Sighthill

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary
Salary: £58,225\- £ 69,488 per annum (Grade 7\)

Contractual hours
35

Basis
Full Time

Region
Human Resources and Development

Job category/type
Professional Services

Date posted
22/05/2026

Job reference
0000022864

Job description

Are you an experienced HR leader with a passion for shaping organisational culture and driving strategic people outcomes?

We’re looking for a senior People leader to head up our People Partnering function at Edinburgh Napier University. This is a high\-impact role where you’ll lead a team of People Partners, influence senior stakeholders, and play a key role in delivering our People Strategy and broader University ambitions. About the Role

As Head of People Partnering, you’ll set the strategic direction for our partnering model and ensure the delivery of consistent, high\-quality, insight\-led people support across the University.

This role sits on the People Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping and delivering the University’s People Strategy.

Working closely with Deans, Directors and senior leaders, you’ll act as a trusted advisor, shaping organisational culture, driving workforce planning and leading large\-scale change and transformation initiatives. You’ll ensure the People Partnering team operates as a high\-performing, value\-adding function aligned to the University’s priorities.

You’ll also play a critical role in developing organisational capability, embedding values\-led leadership, strengthening engagement, and ensuring the University continues to evolve as an inclusive, high\-performing workplace. What You’ll Do

• Lead, develop and inspire a high\-performing People Partnering team


• Set and deliver the strategic direction for the People Partnering model


• Build strong, credible relationships with senior leaders across the University


• Provide expert advice on complex organisational change and people challenges


• Drive workforce planning, talent and succession strategies


• Use people data and insight to inform decision\-making and prioritisation


• Lead large\-scale transformation and change programmes


• Champion Equality, Diversity \& Inclusion and values\-led leadership


• Ensure high standards of governance, risk management and professional practice


• Collaborate across the wider People Team to deliver integrated people solutions

• Significant experience operating at a senior HR Business Partner or equivalent leadership level


• Proven track record of leading and developing HR/People teams


• Strong experience of influencing and advising senior leaders within complex organisations


• Demonstrable experience of delivering strategic people initiatives and large\-scale change


• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills


• Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational delivery


• Strong analytical capability, using insight to drive decisions and outcomes


• A passion for developing inclusive, values\-driven and high\-performing cultures

At Edinburgh Napier University, we’re committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence. This is an opportunity to shape the future of our People Partnering function and make a meaningful impact across the University.

If you’re ready to lead at scale, influence at the highest level, and drive real organisational change, we’d love to hear from you. Our Excellent Benefits PackageAt ENU, we offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer other excellent benefits including:Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays)

• A generous pension scheme (employer contribution of 17\.6%)


• 35 hour work week


• Various learning and development opportunities


• Access to our benefits platform Vivup which includes huge range of discounts across the UK’s major retailers, health care discounts and Cycle to Work


• Discounted access to onsite and local gym facilities

Applications encouraged before 15th of June

Interviews: Week commencing 6th of July

On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

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