Job Description

The University of Cambridge is one of the foremost global Universities and widely recognised as a renowned centre for research, education, and scholarship. 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 be part of a specialist employee relations team delivering a high quality and responsive expert service.


HR Case Managers are responsible for managing and supporting a portfolio of complex formal employee relations cases (primarily grievances, disciplinaries and appeals) through to resolution, and Employment Tribunals where required. This is achieved through the provision of expert advice, coaching and problem solving in line with the University's policies. HR Case Managers are responsible for ensuring cases are managed thoroughly, fair processes, accurate paperwork and clear communication. Each HR Case Manager is supported by a HR Case Management Coordinator, who they directly manage and support the development of.


HR Case Managers also have the opportunity to proactively identify, develop and deliver continuous improvements to service delivery, support policy development and contribute to interventions to promote good employee relations.


As one of the University's specialists for advising on formal employee relations matters, the HR Case Managers work closely with a range of departments and experienced professionals particularly HR Business Partners, Legal Services and the Policy, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, and Learning and Organisational Development teams.

What you will need:

A comprehensive and up-to-date understanding and practical application of UK employment law with significant experience in dealing with complex high-risk employee relations cases in a large complex organisation.


Experience managing large bundles of information and cases through Employment Tribunals.


Effective communication, coaching 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, problem solving skills and excellent attention to detail.


Experience of developing and implementing processes and improvement initiatives.


Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage cases in a timely manner.


Resilience and confident in dealing with sensitive situations, ambiguity and risk.


Line management experience.

Benefits of working at Cambridge include:

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.


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 undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.


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 within our Division.



Closing date for applications: 25th January 2026


Interviews for the role will be held: 4th February 2026


Please quote reference AH48001 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.



Key information

Department/location

Human Resources Division

Salary

42,254-56,535

Reference

AH48001

Category

Academic-related

Date published

9 January 2026

Closing date

25 January 2026