HR Business Partner

HR Business Partner

Department: Human Resources

Job Type: Full time, permanent

Grade: E

Salary Range: £49,140 to £55,000 per annum (inclusive of Inner London Weighting) per annum depending on experience

Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists in the heart of the City of London. Ranked number one in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2024, one of the top ten performing arts institutions in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023, as well as the number one higher education institution in the Guardian University Guide music league table, we deliver world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles.

A global leader in creative and professional practice, we promote innovation, experiment and research, and are also one of the UK's leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the HR Team as a HR Business Partner, working closely with the Head of HR and fellow Business Partners to deliver strategic HR initiatives within a Higher Education environment. You will act as a trusted HR generalist, building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior management, while providing expert advice across employee relations, recruitment, learning and development, and job evaluation. In addition, you will lead and develop a team of 2.5 HR Advisors, coaching and supporting them to ensure the delivery of high quality HR services that drive engagement and support the achievement of organisational goals.

We're excited to welcome an accomplished HR Business Partner who brings expertise across recruitment, employee relations, job evaluation, and staff development. With proven experience in coaching and leading HR teams, you'll provide pragmatic, strategic advice while championing inclusive practices and supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. CIPD qualified (or equivalent), with strong knowledge of UK employment law and Higher Education and/or arts sector experience, you'll thrive in partnering with senior leaders, delivering impactful projects, and shaping a positive people strategy. Your strong IT and data analysis skills will further enhance our ability to drive meaningful outcomes. This role is eligible for hybrid working.

For more details, please download the Job Information Pack. If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please e-mail Carol Bernard, Head of HR, at

Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 12 January 2026.

Interviews will be held w/c Monday 19 January 2026.

For more details, please go to

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.

Alternatively, please contact (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OOGS9266. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on .

All applications must include a completed application form. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Guildhall School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds who are currently under-represented at Guildhall School. In recognising the positive value of diversity, we want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We support and provide adjustments for people with disabilities - if you have a disability and need help with the application process please contact us.

Guildhall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable. We are committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay across the whole organisation and against external sectors.