Senior HR Business Partner, Cambridge

We are looking for an experienced Senior HR Business Partner to join the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine, providing strategic and operational HR leadership across a large and complex client area.

This is a senior role, working closely with departmental and institutional leaders to deliver high quality HR services, support organisational change, and shape workforce and people strategy.

We encourage early applications as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.

About the role

You will lead and manage a team delivering a broad HR portfolio, including business partnering, workforce planning, employee relations, resourcing, EDI, and pay and reward.

The role involves advising on complex and high risk people matters, driving employee experience initiatives, and contributing to University wide HR projects.

You will also deputise for the Head of HR as required and build strong relationships with internal and external partners.

What you'll be doing

• Partnering with senior leaders to deliver HR strategy and workforce plans
• Providing expert advice on complex employee relations and people issues
• Leading organisational change and transformation initiatives
• Managing and developing HR staff and ensuring high quality service delivery
• Contributing to pay, reward, talent and EDI activity

We are looking for someone who has

• Significant HR experience in a complex organisation
• Strong experience advising and influencing senior stakeholders
• Proven people management and leadership capability
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills
• CIPD qualification or equivalent experience

Please review the'Further Information'document for more details of the role and the skills we are seeking.

Why join us?

• Alongside working in a collaborative and supportive environment, the University of Cambridge offers a range of excellent benefits, including:
• Development opportunities such as LinkedIn Learning, job shadowing and career pathways.
• 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and a highly competitive pension scheme.
• Hybrid working with flexibility in how you arrange your office days.
• A wide range of discounts at local retailers and thousands of national brands.
• Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym access and the Staff Counselling Service.

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.

How to apply

For this role, all applications will be managed by Spirehouse Recruitment. To apply, please send your CV to

For further information about the role, please contact Abbie Carr (Executive Consultant) at

Closing date: Wednesday 17 June 2026

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.