Strategic Business Partner - UOD2403

University of Dundee

People Partnering and Employee Relations

Location:

Dundee

Salary:

59,966 to 67,468 per annum Grade 9

Hours:

Full Time

Contract Type:

Permanent

Placed On:

28th September 2026

Closes:

12th October 2026

Job Ref:

7129

Make a Difference at the University of Dundee

We are seeking an exceptional Strategic Business Partner to join our Partnering and Employee Relations team at the University of Dundee.

You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, shaping workforce strategy and leading complex People solutions that support the University's recovery and longer-term plans. You will influence institution-wide change, strengthen leadership capability and help deliver a consistent, high-quality People service.

About the People Directorate

The People Directorate supports every stage of the employee lifecycle through specialist and operational teams. We work across the University to provide joined-up advice, services and initiatives that enable strategic delivery and an inclusive, supportive and high-performing working environment.

Learn more about the People Directorate

About the Role

As Strategic Business Partner, you will provide expert consultancy and strategic partnering support to Vice-Principals, Directors and other senior stakeholders. You will diagnose complex organisational and People issues, turn workforce insight into practical solutions, and lead work spanning organisational change, workforce planning, senior appointments and sensitive employee relations matters.

You will lead five People Advisers and work closely with People colleagues and Trade Union representatives. The role is based at City Campus, with work at Ninewells and Kirkcaldy depending on your allocation.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

Provide trusted strategic People advice to senior leaders, translating organisational priorities into effective workforce plans and solutions.
Lead organisational change, workforce planning, senior appointments and complex employee relations matters, balancing institutional needs with legal, policy and reputational risk.
Lead and develop five People Advisers, prioritising workloads and delivering a proactive, consistent and customer-focused service.
Shape People strategy, policy and major University projects using workforce data, evidence and external insight.
Build partnerships with leaders, People colleagues and Trade Union representatives, while championing equality, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability and continuous learning.

Who We're Looking For

Essential

A degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience.
Significant senior HR or People partnering experience in a complex organisation, including leading, mentoring or developing others.
A strong record of advising and influencing senior stakeholders and aligning People initiatives with organisational priorities.
Substantial experience of organisational change, workforce planning, complex employee relations and organisational risk.
Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, People policy, workforce planning and organisational development.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Requirements

Any offer of appointment will be conditional upon the individual having, or being able to obtain, the right to work in the UK. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review

UK Government immigration guidance

to assess their eligibility to work in the UK, including consideration of visa options that may be available to them, prior to applying.