At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead employment policy and strategy to shape a diverse university community.
- Company: ARU, a global university transforming lives through innovative education and research.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension schemes, training opportunities, and competitive relocation package.
- Other info: Join a collaborative community that supports bold ideas and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on fair and effective employment practices in higher education.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment policy, employee relations, and strong knowledge of employment law.
The predicted salary is between 70878 - 77438 £ per year.
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU's research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities.
At ARU, we celebrate individuality, champion new ideas and work together to make a meaningful impact. We are seeking an exceptional senior HR leader to steer employment policy, strategic employee relations and workforce governance across a diverse, ambitious university community.
The opportunity involves reporting to the Chief People Officer and being a key member of the HR leadership team, working with the University Executive, Board of Governors, senior leaders, trade unions and external partners. Based in Chelmsford, Cambridge or Peterborough, with travel across our campuses, this is a full-time role with significant institutional influence.
You will lead the development of modern, legally robust and inclusive employment frameworks that enable ARU's strategic ambitions across higher education, further education and subsidiary organisations.
What you'll be doing:
- Employment policy and governance: Shape, implement and continuously improve employment policies, contracts, terms and conditions, promotion arrangements and workforce frameworks.
- Strategic employee relations: Build constructive relationships with recognised trade unions, oversee collective agreements and consultation processes, and provide authoritative advice on complex and high-risk matters.
- Change and transformation: Partner with senior colleagues to deliver major organisational change, translating employment law, workforce intelligence and sector developments into practical solutions.
- Executive advice: Produce high-quality papers and recommendations for senior committees and governing bodies, ensuring robust compliance with remuneration and wider governance requirements.
- Specialist oversight: Oversee pay and pensions policy and governance, job evaluation, grading arrangements, and the effective use of external legal expertise.
- Capability and insight: Coach leaders and HR colleagues, and use data, benchmarking and legal intelligence to identify risks, opportunities and priorities.
What you'll bring:
You will bring substantial experience of leading employment policy and employee relations strategy in a complex organisation. You will be a trusted employment-law expert, confident advising executive leaders, navigating collective bargaining, resolving sensitive issues and influencing stakeholders with credibility and judgement.
You will also offer:
- Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, contracts, collective agreements and workforce governance.
- Experience of organisational change, job evaluation, contractual frameworks and board-level reporting.
- Excellent negotiation, consultation, analytical and communication skills.
- A strategic, commercially aware and solutions-focused approach, combined with integrity, resilience and discretion.
- A higher degree or relevant professional qualification with significant demonstrable experience; HR, employment law or related postgraduate study is advantageous.
- Experience in higher education, or similarly regulated public sector and knowledge-intensive settings would be welcomed.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference: creating fair, effective and forward-looking employment practice for a workforce with varied roles, terms and operating contexts. In return, you will join a collaborative community that supports bold ideas, professional growth and collective achievement.
Bring your expertise, judgement and ambition to ARU, and help build the employment foundations for our next chapter. Interviews are expected to take place on 2 December at our Cambridge campus. An online stakeholder discussion will be arranged separately.
We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. In accordance with Home Office guidance and the Asylum, Immigration and Nationality Act 2006, ARU has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work in the UK and in the role for which they have been recruited.
Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
Assistant Director (Policy, Strategy & Employee Relations) in Cambridge employer: Anglia Ruskin University
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to innovative and inclusive education that transforms lives. With a Gold award for teaching excellence and a strong focus on research that addresses real-world challenges, ARU fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community while working in vibrant locations like Chelmsford, Cambridge, and Peterborough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director (Policy, Strategy & Employee Relations) in Cambridge
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Anglia Ruskin University!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Anglia Ruskin University.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director (Policy, Strategy & Employee Relations) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Anglia Ruskin University. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Anglia Ruskin University and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Anglia Ruskin University. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Anglia Ruskin University's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglia Ruskin University
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Anglia Ruskin University.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Anglia Ruskin University will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Anglia Ruskin University and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
