The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Based in the HR Business Partnering and Employee Relations Team, this role is for an experienced HR Adviser. Working within a small team, you will deliver a high quality HR service, providing expert support and guidance across the entire employee lifecycle. This involves building strong relationships with University managers and staff in our schools and departments, delivering creative solutions to diverse employment situations. The role requires you to be flexible, decisive and results-focused, comfortably managing risk and leading initiatives to enhance the University’s performance through HR policy and practice.

This is a fast paced role where you will act both independently and as part of a supportive HR team, contributing to continuous improvement and facilitating the exchange of good practice.

You must have demonstrable knowledge of employment legislation and best practice, excellent problem solving skills and strong communication skills, with the ability to apply this expertise within a complex and demanding work environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Work within a small team to deliver an outcome focused HR service covering a wide range of people management issues including employee relations, workforce planning, change management and recruitment and selection
• Work in partnership with Academic Faculties, Schools and Professional Services departments, contributing to and ensuring the effective delivery of the HR strategy and key organisational priorities supporting the University’s vision
• Act as a recognised source of professional employment advice within the University
• Proactively support senior staff, HR colleagues, line managers and other University staff in managing complex casework, including working with the campus trade unions. This will include leading formal employee relations processes, e.g disciplinary/grievance investigations, sickness absence management, participation on relevant panels and establishing a defence and preparation of the case for Employment Tribunals
• Support managers and ensure that employment policies and procedures are implemented appropriately and with sensitivity within the prevailing legal framework, seeking advice and guidance from senior colleagues or legal advice where required. This may include guiding managers through reward and recognition, recruitment, probation and immigration issues
• Take a creative and risk-based approach to problem-solving in order to positively address sensitive and confidential matters, ensuring the most appropriate solution in response to the particular circumstances of the case
• Lead on the implementation of change management processes, including the development of consultation documents, liaison with Trade Unions and supporting individual meetings and redeployment for staff at risk
• Support the continuous improvement of HR practice, leading or contributing to project or policy development work in collaboration with members of the HR department and other key stakeholders
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2025. This will consist of an interview and test/activity. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage during w/c 1 December. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennie Gladwin at j.m.gladwin@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework Route. A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 28/11/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.