At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives and shape a forward-thinking people strategy.
- Company: Join UCL Business, a leader in turning research into impactful innovations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and part-time flexibility.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, innovation-led environment.
- Why this job: Influence organisational culture and drive change at the highest level.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience with a strong track record in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
UCL Business (UCLB) is UCL's expert commercialisation partner, bringing brilliant ideas to life - and to market. Working side by side with UCL's academics, clinicians and innovators we turn exceptional research into successful products, spinouts and technologies that change the way the world works, lives and thrives. From life sciences and AI to sustainability and engineering, UCLB plays a pivotal role in turning UCL's world-class research into real-world impact.
The Director of People Services will provide strategic leadership across the People function, shaping and delivering a forward-thinking people strategy aligned to UCLB's organisational goals. This is a part-time role (2 days per week), initially offered as a two-year fixed-term contract with the potential to become permanent.
Key areas of focus include:
- Leading strategic workforce planning and organisational design aligned to future growth
- Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on culture, talent and structure
- Driving a high-performance, engaged and values-led organisational culture
- Overseeing governance, policy and compliance, ensuring best practice and legal alignment
- Leading and developing the People Services team to deliver a high-quality, responsive service
- Supporting organisational change, including change management programmes and transformation initiatives
- Embedding data-driven decision making through HR systems, KPIs and workforce insights
- Providing oversight of reward, payroll governance and benchmarking
This role offers the opportunity to influence at the highest level, including Board and Remuneration Committee engagement.
You will be a senior, commercially aware HR leader with a proven track record of operating at Executive and Board level. You will bring:
- Extensive experience shaping and delivering people strategy in complex organisations
- A strong track record of advising CEOs and senior stakeholders on workforce planning, culture and organisational design
- Experience leading significant transformation and change management programmes
- Deep knowledge of UK employment law and governance (CIPD Chartered or equivalent)
- Strong expertise in performance management, reward strategy and organisational development
- The ability to translate business strategy into clear, deliverable people plans
- Credibility, gravitas and the ability to influence at the most senior levels
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with sound judgement and high integrity
- Experience within innovation-led, academic, or complex stakeholder environments would be advantageous.
Location: Central London W1T 7NF
Salary: Competitive - POA
Excellent benefits package.
Director of HR employer: Alexander Mae HR Ltd
UCL Business (UCLB) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London where innovation meets academia. As a part-time Director of HR, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a forward-thinking people strategy while enjoying a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. UCLB fosters a culture of collaboration and growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to influence organisational change at the highest levels.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of HR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching UCLB and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your leadership style and how you've successfully managed change in previous roles. Tailor your examples to reflect the strategic focus of the Director of People Services position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at UCLB.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of HR role. Highlight your experience in shaping people strategies and working with senior leadership teams. We want to see how your background aligns with UCLB's goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this part-time role. Share specific examples of your achievements in HR that demonstrate your strategic leadership skills.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Employment Law:Since deep knowledge of UK employment law is crucial, make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences. We love seeing candidates who are up-to-date with legal compliance and governance!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at UCLB. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mae HR Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in UCLB’s mission and values. Understand their approach to commercialisation and how they turn research into real-world impact. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and can align your people strategy with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with fostering a high-performance culture. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led change management programmes and influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves embedding data-driven decision-making, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used HR metrics and KPIs to drive organisational success. This will demonstrate your ability to leverage insights for strategic workforce planning.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the challenges UCLB faces. Inquire about their current people strategy and how they envision the role of Director of People Services contributing to their future growth. This shows you’re proactive and engaged.
