Senior HR Business Partner (12 Month FTC)

Location: Holborn, London (Hybrid)

Contract Type: 12 Months (Maternity Cover)

We’re seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to lead the HR team for our Headquarters population during a 12‑ month maternity cover. This is a unique opportunity to step into a high ‑ profile, business ‑ critical role where you ’ ll partner with senior executives, shape the people agenda, and drive organisational excellence across a fast ‑ evolving environment.

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.  Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning. Our world-leading network and state-of-the-art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.   

Summary of role:

Reporting directly to the Global Chief People Officer, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and take ownership of delivering a world ‑ class HR service to our HQ teams. This is a hands-on role and supported by a HR Advisor and People Services team, you ’ ll lead, develop, and elevate the HR function for HQ, bringing clarity, pace, and strategic insight to everything you do. It’s an ideal platform for a commercially minded, forward ‑ thinking Senior HRBP who thrives in complexity and isn ’ t afraid to reimagine how things can be done.

Strategic HR

• Shape and execute the HR strategy in partnership with the Global Chief People Officer and HQ leadership.

• Drive workforce planning, talent management, organisational design, and high ‑ performance initiatives.

Business Partnering

• Serve as a key coach and advisor to senior leaders, providing insight on performance, engagement, change, and overall people strategy.

• Build deep relationships across the HQ population to proactively understand business needs.

Organisational Development & Talent

• Ensure the structure and capability of our teams remain fit for purpose.

• Lead leadership on talent mapping, succession planning, and reviewing skills & capability.

Culture, Engagement & Wellbeing

• Champion a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Steer initiatives that strengthen engagement and wellbeing across all levels.

Operational & Regulatory Excellence

• Oversee seamless HR operations, from onboarding to governance.

• Ensure compliance with UK employment law and internal standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion a continuous improvement culture, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, enhance employee experience, and elevate operational effectiveness.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the HR Advisor, creating a collaborative, empowered, high ‑ performing environment.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven background in a senior HRBP or HR leadership role within complex, global environment.

• Experience influencing executive ‑ level stakeholders and leading meaningful transformation.

• Strong understanding of UK employment law; global HR experience is highly advantageous.

• Previous responsibility for HR within corporate functions is highly desirable.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into people ‑ centric strategies.

• Exceptional stakeholder management, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness.

• Resilience, agility, and a solutions ‑ focused mindset suited to fast ‑ paced, evolving organisations.

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays - time to rest, recharge, and balance life beyond work.

• Hybrid working -  most roles offer hybrid or flexible arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Contributory Pension Scheme

• Private Medical Insurance (T&C's apply) -  prioritising your wellbeing with speedy access to healthcare whenever you need support.

• Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply) - spread the cost of your commute with an interest-free travel loan.

• Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply) - access to short courses via FutureLearn and Group-wide professional development programmes.

• Staff Discount Scheme -  via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers – Fashion, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Travel, Automotive, Furniture, Dining, Sports and Leisure, Electronics, etc

• Employee Assistance Programme - confidential support for your wellbeing, whenever you need it.

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success in your job search.

GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

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