HR Business Partner - Fixed Term Contract (2 years) in Oxford

Job description

Saïd Business School is a globally recognised centre of excellence, blending the academic rigour of the University of Oxford with an entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation in business education. Alongside our core academic activity, we deliver bespoke executive education programmes through our trading subsidiary, OSBS Ltd, equipping leaders from around the world with the skills to create meaningful impact.

Our Human Resources Team is central to this mission. We support both the School and OSBS Ltd, working collaboratively to sustain the high standards of excellence that define Oxford. We are now seeking a dynamic, commercially minded and strategic HR Business Partner to play a pivotal role in shaping our workforce of the future.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of HR and Employee Experience, you will partner closely with senior leaders and managers across the School, providing strategic HR insight that enables them to meet departmental and School-wide priorities. A central part of your role will be developing and owning a comprehensive Strategic Workforce Plan, one that spans the full employee lifecycle, strengthens organisational capability, and ensures we are equipped for future challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the lead HR contact for a defined client group, delivering strategic advice aligned to business needs.

• Implement a robust Strategic Workforce Plan for your business areas in collaboration with senior leadership.

• Provide expert HR guidance across a wide range of issues, including organisational change, disciplinary and grievance matters, and TUPE.

• Lead on complex employee relations cases, including employment tribunals, working seamlessly with divisional and central HR colleagues.

• Build strong, influential relationships with stakeholders at all levels, driving innovative and people-centred HR solutions.

About You

You are a confident and credible HR professional with significant experience supporting managers in complex organisations. You have a thorough understanding of employment law, coupled with sound judgement and the ability to coach, influence and challenge senior stakeholders, alongside a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. You should hold or be willing to work towards a CIPD Level 7 qualification or have equivalent experience.

Why Join Us?

At Saïd Business School, we champion diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do. We believe that an environment where people feel valued, respected and empowered fuels innovation and excellence. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who can enrich our community and help us shape a more equitable future.

Be part of a School that is redefining leadership, transforming organisations, and inspiring global impact.

If you’re ready to contribute your expertise to one of the world’s most influential institutions, we’d love to hear from you.

Saïd Business School offers very generous benefits, some of which are:

• Generous holiday allowance of 38 days, including bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Membership of the Oxford University staff pension scheme
• Discounted bus travel
• Subsidised onsite catering
• Cycle loan scheme
• Plus, many other University benefits

All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter and Current Salary.

For further guidance and support, please visit

https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply

The closing date for applications is Monday 5 January 2026 at 12.00 noon.

First-stage interviews will take place online the week commencing Monday 12 January 2026.

Second stage interviews will take place in person the week commencing Monday 19 January 2026.

Are you interested in joining Saïd Business School’s talent pool and/or receiving our job alerts? Register at

https://careers.sbs.ox.ac.uk/registration.aspx

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Oxford

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

08-12-2025

Profession type

Teaching / Instructors / Guides

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English