HR Business Partner

About The Job

The HR Business Partner plays a pivotal role in partnering with Head of Departments (HODs) and line managers to provide strategic and operational HR support for staff within a university setting. You stand to influence HR practices and contribute to the development of staff engagement and performance within a dynamic academic environment. You will collaborate closely with various HR COEs to deliver tailored HR solutions, drive talent management initiatives, and foster a positive organizational culture. 

What You Will Be Doing

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Partnering

• Proactively connect with respective business units with the aim to understand their business plan/objectives, people challenges and manpower needs. 
• Work closely with line managers to propose suggestions to improve work relationships, processes, and increase productivity and staff retention.
• Build a strong, credible relationship with HR specialists, hiring managers, management and external partners on people matters, employee relations / grievances by serving as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert in different aspects of HR.
• Be well-versed in HR policies and procedures to effectively support and advise line managers, ensuring consistent and compliant application across the university.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws and provide guidance on related matters,

2. HR Operations

• Lead the administration and improvement of HR operations, policies, and processes.
• Track, analyze, and report on data to drive continuous improvements and inform decision-making.
• Lead and implement organizational development initiatives to enhance performance and culture.
• Support in manpower budget and forecast process. 

3. Employee Lifecycle Management

• Manage all stages of the employee lifecycle, from onboarding to performance management, employee relations, and exit management.
• Conduct bi-monthly new hire orientation and support in related onboarding processes to ensure a positive employee experience for new hires.
• Advise leaders on strategies to enhance employee engagement and contribute to a positive university culture.

4. Talent Development & Performance Management

• Collaborate with HR Centres of Excellence (COE) to support faculty talent management, succession planning, and career development initiatives
• Provide coaching to managers on effective performance management and facilitate constructive performance review conversations.
• Partner the HODs/ cluster heads throughout the annual performance review process and offer insights during moderation discussions.

5. HR Process Improvement

• Identify areas for improvement in HR processes and propose initiatives to streamline and enhance the HR experience for faculty.
• Ensure that all HR processes are compliant with employment laws, particularly the Employment Act.

6. HR Operations and Compliance

• Work closely with the HR shared services and COE teams to ensure the proper implementation of HR policies and processes in accordance with regulatory requirements.

7. HR Project Implementation

• Contribute to HR projects aimed at enhancing faculty experience, organizational effectiveness, and performance.

8. Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the HR leadership team.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant HRBP experience, ideally in an academic or higher education environment.
• Strong understanding of HR best practices, including talent management, employee engagement, and performance management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and resilient with a problem-solving mindset and a strong ability to manage complex tasks independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills preferred.