Strategic Business Partner - UOD2403

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.
• The ability to use workforce data and insight to support evidence-based decisions and improvement.
• Excellent relationship, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound professional judgement.
• A strategic, collaborative and resilient approach, with a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and high-quality service delivery.

Why Join the University of Dundee

At the University of Dundee, we are driven by a clear purpose: to transform lives through education, research and innovation.

We are internationally recognised for the real-world impact of our work, particularly in areas such as life sciences, health and engineering. Our collaborative and inclusive culture brings together talented people from across disciplines to tackle global challenges and deliver meaningful change.

Located in the vibrant city of Dundee, our campus offers a supportive and forward-looking environment where colleagues are empowered to develop, contribute and succeed.

Find out more about working at the University of Dundee: Working at the University of Dundee

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

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.