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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 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 – WC1E
Salary: Competitive - POA
Excellent benefits package.
Human Resources Director in London employer: Alexander Mae Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Mae Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director in London
✨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 experience and how it relates to the role of Director of People Services. Keep it concise and impactful, focusing on your strategic leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Human Resources Director. Highlight your experience in shaping people strategies and working with senior stakeholders, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for UCLB. Share specific examples of how you've led transformation and change management programmes, and how your values align with our organisational culture.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the impact of your work, especially in areas like performance management and organisational development.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and reaches the right people quickly!
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. Understand their focus on innovation and how your experience aligns with their goals. Brush up on recent projects or initiatives they’ve undertaken, especially in areas like AI and sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Director of People Services, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and transformation. Be ready to discuss your strategies for fostering a high-performance culture.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves embedding data-driven decision-making, come prepared with insights on how you’ve used HR metrics to drive organisational success. Think about specific KPIs you’ve implemented and how they’ve influenced workforce planning and performance management.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s future and how you can contribute. Ask about their current challenges in people strategy and how you can help address them.