Associate HR Business Partner (6-Month Contract)

Support a leading higher education provider through a critical period of business-as-usual and project activity.

Tandem Partners are delighted to partner with a leading higher education provider as they continue to build a proactive and people-first HR function.

This 6-month fixed-term role has been created to backfill a team member seconded to a major implementation project. As Associate HR Business Partner, you will step into a trusted advisory position, supporting a defined client portfolio and contributing to the smooth delivery of both BAU HR activity and people initiatives.

You’ll be joining a well-structured and collaborative People Experience (PX) team, working closely with a Senior HR Business Partner and reporting to the People Experience Portfolio Manager.

As the Associate HR Business Partner, you will:

• Provide timely, consistent advice on HR policies, procedures, enterprise agreements, and legislative requirements
• Coach and support managers through performance matters, interpersonal conflict, and low-level ER casework
• Assist in organisational change processes and position reviews
• Partner on recruitment activity and contribute to position description development
• Analyse engagement survey data and support people planning initiatives
• Prepare reports on HR metrics (e.g. new hires, terminations, compliance)
• Work collaboratively across other HR functions including Employee Relations, Recruitment, Payroll, and Employee Experience

• A relevant degree with at least 4 years’ experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within a complex or unionised environment
• Confidence interpreting and applying enterprise agreements
• Demonstrated ability to manage ER casework, coach leaders, and navigate sensitive people matters with sound judgement
• Experience supporting managers with performance, onboarding, change processes, and workforce planning
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills
• High attention to detail, with the ability to juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced setting
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement