HR Strategic Projects Partner - (9562)

HR Strategic Projects Partner 

We are seeking an experienced HR, reward or organisational change professional to join Manchester Metropolitan University as an HR Strategic Projects Partner.

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term opportunity to play a key role in shaping and delivering strategic people initiatives
 
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and deliver high-profile projects and workstreams that will help shape the University's people agenda and support delivery of our Great Place to Work Strategy.

In this important role, you will provide trusted HR expertise to senior leaders and key stakeholders, supporting projects from early analysis through to consultation and implementation. You will combine strategic thinking with a practical approach to delivery, ensuring projects are well planned, evidence-informed, appropriately governed and focused on achieving positive outcomes.

Working closely with the Assistant Director - Strategic People Initiatives, Project Manager and specialist People & Organisational Development colleagues, you will use people, organisational and reward data to identify trends, assess risks and develop clear, practical recommendations. You will also work in partnership with the Head of Employee Relations to lead agreed consultation and negotiation activity with trade unions and other stakeholders.

About you
We are looking for an experienced HR, reward or organisational change professional who has operated successfully within a large and complex organisation. You will bring sound professional judgement, a strong understanding of employment law and employee relations, and the ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders while managing sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

You will have experience of:

• Leading complex HR, reward, people or organisational change projects and workstreams.
• Analysing complex people, organisational or reward data to develop evidence-based options and recommendations.
• Supporting business case development and translating people insight into practical solutions.
• Leading or supporting trade union consultation and negotiation activity.
• Building trusted and constructive relationships with senior leaders and a wide range of stakeholders.
• Embedding change successfully and supporting the transition from project delivery to sustainable business-as-usual activity.

Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently and collaboratively within established project governance and decision-making arrangements.

Why join us?
This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of strategic people initiatives that will have a lasting impact across the University. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive team, working alongside experienced HR, organisational development, reward and employee relations professionals to deliver meaningful change.

How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter, outlining how you meet the essential criteria detailed in the Job Description, via our application portal.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Ben Dobson, Assistant Director - Strategic People Initiatives, at b.dobson@mmu.ac.uk 

Recruitment timeline:

• Shortlisting timeframe: 19 October to 22 October 2026
• Interview date: 5th November 2026

Further information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. 

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. 

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. 

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

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