HR Operations Business Partner

UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education.

UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.

We’re a successful and fast-growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We're committed to delivering a first-class service to all of our customers — they're at the heart of everything we do.

Business Unit Description

The Digital Services business unit is at the heart of UCAS’ technical innovation, data and infrastructure. It focuses on leveraging data science, technology, and enterprise architecture to enhance UCAS' digital products and services. The unit is dedicated to developing and improving customer-centric digital solutions, ensuring seamless and secure online experiences for all users. By providing insightful data and analysis, often made available to anyone with free-to-use intuitive dashboard, Digital Services empowers the Higher Education sector and those interested in the sector with valuable information to make informed decisions. By working in collaborative, expert led, multi-disciplinary teams, Digital Services drives UCAS’ mission to connect students with their next opportunities through advanced technological solutions.

About The Role Contractual Hours

35.00

About The Role

At UCAS, we are passionate about developing our talent and strive to attract, embed, develop, and retain the best people. Our HR and Organisational Development Team plays a vital role in helping staff thrive through innovative and forward-thinking approaches to development, performance, and people solutions.

This HR Business Partner role acts as the strategic liaison between HR and the business, providing high-quality generalist advice and support. It involves creating workforce plans and people initiatives aligned with UCAS strategy, working closely with the Leadership Team to ensure delivery.

The role also partners with the HR Data Analyst to identify workforce trends and drive improvement, while fostering a positive work culture and supporting leaders in building high-performing teams.

Key responsibilities:

• Partner with leaders on workforce planning and people initiatives
• Collaborate on remuneration and job evaluation
• Lead complex casework and support general case management
• Manage staff changes with Talent Acquisition
• Advise on ER cases, ensuring legal compliance
• Support organisational change and structure reviews
• Promote People services and build internal networks
• Drive succession planning, L&D, and internal mobility
• Lead HR projects and contribute to policy/process development
• Share knowledge across the People team and support cultural change
• Maintain CPD and stay current with employment law
  
  

Skills, Qualifications, And Experience

• CIPD Level 7 qualification in Human Resources Management or equivalent experience
• Strong experience supporting organisational change initiatives
• Extensive knowledge of employment law, case law, and HR best practice
• Proven track record in managing complex employee relations casework
• Solid understanding of terms and conditions of employment
• Proficient in HR systems and Microsoft Office
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement capabilities
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality awareness
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups
  
  

Package

Salary: Circa £43,000 + benefits & reward.

• Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity
• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies
• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts
• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave
• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools
• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office
• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders
• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond
  
  

Working Arrangements Is fully remote working an option?

No