HR People Partner

The Pirbright institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

As a People Partner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven culture. Acting as the first point of contact for line managers and employees, you will provide expert guidance across the full employee lifecycle — from onboarding to performance and talent management.

You will lead complex employee relations cases, coach leaders on best people practices, and ensure fair, legally compliant, and compassionate resolution of workforce matters. With a proactive and strategic mindset, you will collaborate across directorates to support workforce planning, progression schemes, flexible working initiatives, and wellbeing programmes.

In addition, you will contribute to organisational development, policy governance, and the successful delivery of HR projects. With a strong commitment to service excellence, you will partner with Shared Services, Learning & Development, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver a seamless and responsive HR service.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering & People Advisory

• Serve as the first point of contact for employees and managers on all HR matters, supporting the entire employee lifecycle.
• Advise on performance improvement, absence management, disciplinary, and grievance issues, ensuring fairness and legal compliance through solid knowledge of employment legislation and regulations.
• Manage complex employee relations cases to positive conclusion, including those involving unionised staff.
• Lead and support organisational development and restructuring initiatives, ensuring the rollout of aligned change communication plans.
• Coach line managers to build confidence and consistency in applying and interpreting people policies. Embed the Institute’s mission, vision, and people values to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and strengthen organisational culture.
• Promote wellbeing initiatives in collaboration with Mental Health First Aiders, Occupational Health providers, and other internal teams.

Talent Management

• Support pay reviews, talent, and wellbeing programmes across Institute directorates.
• Collaborate with Learning & Development to facilitate data-driven talent reviews and succession planning.
• Manage the performance management cycle and ensure timely completion of evaluation processes.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, career development, and internal mobility initiatives as required.
• Manage flexible working requests, redeployment processes, and occupational health referrals.
• Lead redeployment efforts, annual pay progression schemes, and related processes.
• Support leadership development and align employee journeys with the Institute’s strategic goals.
• Assist in implementing HR projects across the Institute in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Governance & Collaboration

• Support the development, communication, and deployment of HR policies across the Institute.
• Report on HR metrics and analyse trends to inform decision-making and enhance the employee experience.
• Partner with People Shared Services, HR functions, and other departments to provide seamless HR service delivery.
• Ensure HR practices comply with current legal and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support business needs.

Role Requirements

Essential

• Degree in HR, Business, and/or CIPD qualification (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner, ideally within research, academic, or non-profit sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, dispute resolution, GDPR, and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in change management initiatives and organisational improvement.
• Experience managing relationships with trade unions or employee representatives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organisation.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence in interpreting HR data.
• Experience using HR information systems (HRIS) and CRM platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Understanding of the Institute’s strategic goals and the ability to support their delivery.

Desirable

• Experience operating within a regulated environment.
• Familiarity with the bioscience and scientific research sectors.
• Knowledge of immigration processes related to skilled workers and international MSc/PhD student visas.
• Experience working with dual terms and conditions of employment.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.