Are you an accomplished HR professional with a proven track record in people management, driving high-performing teams, and delivering innovative, high-quality HR services? The Department of Engineering, at the University of Cambridge, is seeking a strategic and dynamic Senior HR Business Partner (SHRBP) to join our dedicated HR team.
About the Role
Reporting to the Lead HR Business Partner for the School of Technology, this important role is fully embedded within the Department of Engineering and leads a team of 14 dedicated HR professionals delivering a range of HR functions including business partnering, case management, resourcing and HR administration services. The Department of Engineering is the largest within the University of Cambridge (approximately 800 staff) and operates across a diverse range of Academic and Professional Services divisions.
As SHRBP, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the people plans for the Department. Leading the development and implementation of the Department’s HR plan, you will ensure alignment with the Department’s academic vision, the School of Technology’s priorities, and the University’s People Strategy.
Providing both strategic and operational leadership, you will oversee the delivery of high-quality HR business partnering, resourcing and HR administration services. You will lead and develop a dedicated team of 14 HR professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement. Working closely with senior academic and professional services leaders, you will develop workforce and people plans that support the Department’s evolving priorities and long-term success.
As a member of the Department’s Senior Leadership Team, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the HR Division, including the University’s central HR Business Partnering Team. You will represent the Department’s interests in the development of University-wide HR policies and people initiatives, ensuring departmental perspectives and operational requirements help shape institutional approaches.
The role has responsibility for leading key people initiatives in the Department of Engineering across areas including workforce planning, recruitment, equality, diversity and inclusion, pay and reward, and organisational development. You will champion innovative, evidence-based HR solutions that enable the Department to achieve its strategic objectives, while building strong and trusted relationships with stakeholders across the Department and University.
What You’ll Bring
- Strong management and leadership skills, with experience of operating in a complex matrix organisation
- Well-developed communication, influencing, coaching and negotiation skills
- The ability to develop and deliver HR plans and workforce planning
- Strong influencing skills
- Substantial experience in managing complex employee relations matters and strategic organisational change management
Be part of a team making a real impact in one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions.
Benefits of working at the University include:
- 41 days’ annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and University closure days)
- Generous defined benefit pension scheme
- Enhanced family leave and pay policies
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Closing date for applications: Midnight, Wednesday 11 November 2026
Interviews for the role will be held: 17 November 2026
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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