This is a high-impact role where you will lead the vision and development of the People Partnering team within a fast-paced, unionised environment. Working collaboratively with colleagues and senior leaders across the University, you will strengthen business partnering, employee relations and policy development, while fostering effective trade union relationships. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a values-led university undergoing transformation, contributing to initiatives that support staff and students to thrive.

We are looking for someone with strong employment law expertise and a proven track record of managing complex employee relations casework, including Employment Tribunals. You will enable others to drive continuous improvement in policies, processes, and ways of working, delivering pragmatic solutions that balance risk, compliance and university priorities. A CIPD or Masters Level 7 qualification (or equivalent experience) is essential and experience in the Higher Education sector and/or industrial relations environment is desirable.

Why join us?

Working for the University has numerous benefits including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, 27 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days from the 1^st of September) as well as discretionary closure days over the winter period. We also offer an Agile Worker Framework to help support a healthy work-life balance alongside our benefits scheme which includes a range of discounts on supermarkets and other retailers.

This is a full time (37.0 hours per week), permanent position, and we welcome applications from candidates seeking to job share.

Interviews will be held week commencing 11^th May 2026.  Please note that appointments are typically made at the bottom of the salary scale. For an informal conversation, please contact Sam Smith, Deputy Director of People s.smith10@brighton.ac.uk

Closing Date: 04 May 2026

Team/Division: Administrative/Clerical/Technical

Salary: £59,966 to £69,488 per annum