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- 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 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Company 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 Role Reporting directly to the CEO, 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.
- 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.
The Person 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 & Benefits Salary: Competitive - POA Excellent benefits package.
Director of HR employer: Alexander Mae Ltd
Contact Detail:
Alexander Mae Ltd Recruiting Team
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, especially those who have experience with UCLB or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCLB's culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples that showcase your strategic leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in change management during the interview. Discuss past experiences where you successfully led transformation initiatives, as this is a key focus for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your enthusiasm for the role 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, as this will resonate with what UCLB is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with UCLB's mission. Don’t forget to mention your experience in change management and organisational design.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve driven performance and engagement in past organisations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mae Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in UCLB’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how they align with your experience in shaping people strategies. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about workforce planning and organisational design. Think of specific examples from your past where you’ve successfully led change or advised senior leaders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of HR, your leadership style is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you’ve developed teams and fostered a high-performance culture. Share anecdotes that highlight your ability to influence and engage at the executive level.
✨Understand Employment Law Inside Out
Brush up on UK employment law and governance, as this role requires deep knowledge in these areas. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance and best practices in previous roles, demonstrating your expertise and sound judgement.