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For Companies 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.
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.
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 – WC1E
Salary & Benefits
- Excellent benefits package
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Human Resources Director employer: Alexander Mae Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Mae Recruitment Recruiting Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Human Resources Director. 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 tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your expertise can drive UCLB’s mission forward. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve led transformation initiatives or improved organisational culture. We love seeing measurable impacts!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mae Recruitment
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in relation to driving high-performance cultures and managing change. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully led teams and influenced senior stakeholders.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves embedding data-driven decision-making, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used HR metrics to inform strategy. Discuss any KPIs you’ve implemented and how they’ve impacted organisational performance.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges UCLB faces. Inquire about their current workforce planning initiatives or how they envision the future of their organisational culture. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are invested in their success.