HR Business Partner

Job title: HR Business Partner

Department: Human Resources

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (12 Months)

Grade: 8

Location: Bloomsbury, London

Hours: Available on a part-time or full-time basis (35 hours per week for a full-time appointment)

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

An additional HR Business Partner role is being established within the HR Business Partnering team. Working alongside existing HR Business Partners and within a pooled Associate HR Business Partner model, the postholder will provide a professional, proactive HR consultancy service to an allocated portfolio of academic and professional services areas.

Working in close partnership with Heads of Department, Directors and senior managers, the HR Business Partner will develop a strong understanding of their portfolio areas and the wider University context. The role supports partner areas to achieve their strategic and operational objectives through high-quality advice on people management, workforce planning and organisational development.

The postholder will lead and manage mid level employee relations casework within their portfolio, overseeing lower complexity cases progressed by Associate HR Business Partners and working closely with the Employee Relations Specialist on complex or higher risk matters. The role also involves coaching and supporting managers, advising on resourcing and workforce planning and contributing to HR wide initiatives to ensure a consistent and effective approach across the University.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

About the Department

Human Resources at SOAS is operating within an interim structure while a number of senior roles are under review. During this period, the HR Business Partnering model is central to maintaining service continuity, managing institutional risk and supporting academic and professional services leaders through a high volume of complex people matters.

The establishment of this additional HR Business Partner post reflects the need to strengthen capacity within the team, particularly in providing consistent, high-quality advice on employee relations, workforce planning and organisational change. The role will contribute to stabilising delivery in the short term while also supporting the development of sustainable and effective ways of working across the HR function.

This is an opportunity to join a collegiate and supportive HR team at a time when strong, pragmatic business partnering is essential to the University’s ability to deliver its strategic and operational priorities.

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement. 

Closing date: 31 May 2026                              

Interviews to be held: w/c 08 and 15 June 2026

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.