Head of HR Case Management at University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the foremost global Universities and widely recognised as a renowned centre for research, education, and scholarship. We employ more than 13,000 staff, approximately half of whom are academic or research staff and the other half are professional services staff. Our Human Resources (HR) Division supports our academic and non-academic Departments to achieve the University’s mission to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence, whilst also seeking to ensure that the University continues to maintain and enhance its reputation as a leading employer.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to set up a new specialist HR team, leading on the delivery of a high quality and responsive centre of expertise in case management and investigations. As the University’s specialist for advising on formal employee relations matters, you will work closely with a range of experienced professionals particularly legal services, HR Business Partners, and the Policy, EDI, and L&D Teams.

The Head of HR Case Management will be a key member of the HR Division senior management team. This role is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the HR Case Management Team and the Investigations Team in one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the UK.

You will also lead on the management and promotion of the internal Mediation and Facilitated Discussion Service to encourage informal dispute resolution and support a positive employee relations environment.

What you will need

• A comprehensive and up-to-date understanding and practical application of employment law with significant experience in dealing with complex employee relations cases.
• Extensive experience of managing an employee relations function dealing with high-risk cases in a large complex organisation.
• Strong management and leadership capabilities acting positively, flexibly, and constructively. 
• Effective communication and influencing skills with a collaborative approach able to quickly build good working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders at all levels 
• An analytical and innovative mindset with sound judgement and experience of developing and implementing organisational strategies, policies, procedures, resolutions, and continuous improvement.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage cases in a timely manner 
• Resilient and confident in dealing with ambiguity and risk.

Benefits of working at Cambridge included

• Competitive rates of pay with annual cost of living increases. 
• Generous annual leave allowance of 41 days paid leave (including bank holidays).
• Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare).
• An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution.
• Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores.
• Schemes to support with relocation / the provision of accommodation.

The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. We aim to support a good work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in-person environment and culture. Elements of this role are suitable for hybrid working, where staff can split their time between in-person collaboration and remote working. The frequency of the remote elements of the role can be discussed with the recruiting manager.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to under go a basic disclosure (criminal records) check and a security check.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Division.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit click the apply button above.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Sarah Fecondi, Assistant Director of HR, at PAHRDDAD@admin.cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 17th March 2024

Interview Date : To be confirmed.

Please quote reference AH39886 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.