HR Business Partner (Global Mobility)

Job Description

About Us

The University of Surrey is a global community committed to life-changing education and research. We are ambitious, innovative, and driven to become one of the world’s leading universities, a goal made possible by the dedication and talent of our people. Our culture empowers staff to achieve excellence while making a meaningful difference locally and internationally.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced HR Business Partner (Global Mobility) to play a key role in supporting the University’s international strategy. This is a unique opportunity to combine HR partnering with specialist expertise in global mobility, ensuring colleagues succeed across our Guildford campus, international branch campuses, joint ventures, and global partnerships.

In this role, you will provide expert advice to leaders and managers while managing all aspects of international assignments, from recruitment and relocation to compliance and professional development. Your work will directly contribute to the success of our global teaching, research, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with senior leaders in specific areas to deliver people-focused initiatives that strengthen performance and align with our international strategy.

Manage the full lifecycle of international staff assignments, including reward and mobility packages, recruitment, relocation, and career development.

Ensure compliance with immigration, tax, and social security obligations, working closely with overseas campus delivery partners, external advisors, and payroll providers.

Provide expert guidance on mobility considerations for overseas teaching, research, and branch campus operations.

Collaborate with HR colleagues across UK and international campuses to ensure seamless processes and a positive employee experience.

About You

You will be an accomplished HR professional with significant expertise in international HR, global mobility, or expatriate management, ideally gained in a large, complex organization or consultancy. You will bring:

Strong knowledge of global HR practices, mobility processes, immigration, tax, and employment law.

Experience managing overseas payroll, tax, and compliance obligations from a UK employer base.

Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

High cultural awareness and the ability to align global policies with local practices.

Experience supporting operations in India and China is highly desirable, reflecting our global partnerships.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to shape how the University supports and develops its people globally. You’ll join a collaborative HR Business Partnering team that values curiosity, learning, and impact. We ask that you are mainly based on our Guildford campus (around 3 days per week), with flexibility to work remotely outside this.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter via the University of Surrey website. You may also be asked some brief questions about your suitability.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for all. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in our workforce, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and others from diverse communities.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we may close the advert early once suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.