Interim Employee Relations Lead (Senior HRBP)

About the role

This interim position supports a South West London university in managing complex employee relations matters. You will act as a senior HR Business Partner, guiding academics and senior staff through performance and change challenges while working in a hybrid environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and hands‑on support for complex performance cases involving senior academics.
• Design and lead structured processes for difficult conversations, including team size reductions and under‑performance management.
• Develop a robust framework for managing under‑performance and embed long‑term performance improvement initiatives.
• Coach heads of departments on conducting challenging discussions and strengthening performance accountability.
• Partner with stakeholders to enhance performance management capability across the institution.

Required profile

• Proven track record handling complex performance and employee relations cases.
• Strong knowledge of performance management and capability building for managers.
• Experience working in higher education or supporting academic staff is essential.
• Background as an ER specialist or HR Business Partner, preferably with change‑management experience.

Required skills

What we offer

• 12‑month fixed‑term contract with a competitive salary.
• Hybrid working model based in London.
• Opportunity to influence performance culture within a leading university.