Senior HR Business Partner

About the Job

The Senior 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

Strategic HR Partnership

• Proactively connect with respective business units with the aim to understand their business plan/objectives, people challenges and manpower needs to provide HR advice aligned with University goals.
• 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

Workforce Planning & Talent Management

• Lead workforce planning exercises, including headcount forecasting, manpower optimisation, and budget alignment.
• Advise on talent acquisition strategies for academic and professional staff, working closely with the Talent Acquisition team.
• Support leadership on succession planning, leadership pipeline development, and critical role risk management.

Performance, Rewards & Employee Relations

• Guide leaders on performance management, promotions, contract renewals, and rewards decisions in accordance with University frameworks and policies.
• Provide advice on employee relations matters, including performance concerns, grievances, discipline, and staff well-being, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.

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.

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.

HR Project Implementation

• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and frameworks.
• Provide interpretation and guidance on HR policies to leaders and staff.

Other Duties

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

Job Requirements

• Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification or professional HR certification (e.g. IHRP, SHRM, CIPD) is preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive HR experience, with significant experience in a HR Business Partner or strategic HR role
• Proven experience partnering senior leaders in a complex organisation; experience in higher education, public sector, or large institutions is an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of Singapore employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Credible, confident, and collaborative partner to senior leaders.
• Sound analytics mind with the ability to translate strategy into practical HR solutions.
• High level of discretion, maturity, and judgment in handling sensitive matters.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and resilient with a problem-solving mindset and a strong ability to manage complex tasks independently.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic and evolving university environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills preferred.