Director of Talent and Career Development

At the University of Bristol we have a clear mission and vision – to cement ourselves in the top 50 greatest universities globally, and top 10 in the UK. Our 2030 strategy is our guide, setting out where we will focus to achieve these goals. We have a world-renowned track record of education and long-term research that makes a difference in the world. We want to continue this legacy into the future.

This brand new and multifaceted role is a key part of the senior HR leadership team providing direction and leadership across the University in relation to the attraction, retention and development of talent, in support of the University’s strategic goals. The Director of Talent and Career Development will lead teams in key areas of people management; including Resourcing, Reward, HR policy and People Development, and how these work in combination to deliver our people strategy.

What will you be doing?

• Leading and developing our teams focussed on the delivery of services in support of talent management and career development.
• Leading the practitioners working within these teams to deliver expert advice and support in their areas of specialism, ensuring close working and collaboration with all parts of the People Division including Central Services, Business Partnering, EDI, Engagement and Change.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of the People elements of the University Strategy through leading on the stated priority of developing world class careers for talented people.
• Ensuring effective consultation and engagement with Union Colleagues on areas related to their own portfolio.
• Engaging closely with colleagues in Communications and Marketing and other relevant teams to develop and maintain an effective approach to employer brand.
• Providing expert input into the University’s approach to national pay negotiations and local engagement with our Trade Unions on reward.
• Working as part of the wider HR leadership team to improve and respond effectively to Divisional people management issues and to allocate our Divisional resources to support improved performance and productivity across the University.

You should apply if

• Substantial expert experience of at least one of resourcing, people development, reward or HR policy, with evidence of good working knowledge of each of the others.
• A proven track record of relevant CPD and MCIPD level membership (postgraduate) of the CIPD (or equivalent) with expert understanding of current employment legislation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to contribute effectively at senior management level.
• Strong influencing, negotiation and presentation skills with an ability to present information persuasively or in emotionally charged atmospheres.
• Demonstrable experience of effectively leading and motivating teams.
• Direct experience of supporting successful organisational change and transformation.
• A strong customer focus, with a commitment to deliver user friendly and effective services to internal customers through effective collaborative working.

Benefits of working for the University include:

• A total of 40 days annual leave per year including bank holidays
• Automatic entry to an extremely generous, hybrid pension scheme (both defined benefit and defined contribution elements)
• Hybrid working environment
• Inclusive culture, valuing the diversity of thought, beliefs and background

For informal queries please contact Matthew Ellis - Senior Resourcing Business Partner at matthew.ellis@bristol.ac.uk. It is anticipated that the selection process will take place onsite in Bristol on Friday 14th February. This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Monday 20th January 2025.

We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.