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- Tasks: Lead change initiatives and support organisational transformation in a dynamic university setting.
- Company: Join a leading London university focused on innovative change following a major merger.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-profile programme that shapes the future of higher education and impacts lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex change management, employee relations, and union engagement is essential.
- Other info: This is an 18-month fixed-term contract with immediate start; apply quickly!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 66000 £ per year.
Contract: 18-month Fixed-Term Contract
Location: London (Hybrid – 60% on-site, likely more initially)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £45,000-£55,000
Sector: Higher Education / Public Sector
A leading London-based university is undertaking a major transformation programme following a merger and is seeking two experienced HR Change Managers to join their People Workstream. These roles sit within a growing internal team focused on delivering organisational design, staff consultation, and structural integration across Professional Services.
You’ll play a central role in supporting a complex, high-profile programme of change, including redundancy consultation, trade union engagement, and the delivery of a new operating model that supports long-term service and financial sustainability.
Key Focus Areas:
- Leading people-side change initiatives related to a large-scale integration across Professional Services functions
- Supporting the development of business cases and job design, including job evaluation and structural proposals
- Leading on formal employee consultations (individual and collective), including consultation documentation, process planning and execution
- Acting as HR lead with trade unions (Unison, Unite, UCU) – managing engagement, consultation and resolution
- Applying your expertise in employee relations, organisational change and TUPE/redundancy processes to ensure legal compliance and best practice
- Advising on risks, communications, and employee wellbeing during organisational transformation
- Contributing to a strategic cost-saving objective (targeting a 5.8% saving, aligned with natural turnover)
What We're Looking For:
- Strong track record of complex change management in unionised environments, ideally public sector, NHS or Higher Education
- Deep experience managing employee relations during organisational change – redundancy, restructuring, and job design are key
- Excellent project and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and manage sensitive consultation exercises
- Skilled in working directly with trade unions, navigating industrial relations with confidence and diplomacy
- Background in organisational change, HR consultancy, or transformation within complex, matrixed organisations
- Understanding of job evaluation, workforce design, and the broader HR change lifecycle
- While HE sector experience is beneficial, change delivery expertise is the main priority
Excellent benefits including 30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 4 closure days, and a generous pension contribution (14% employer, 8% employee).
Please do not delay in applying, as the advert may close earlier if a successful applicant is found.
Human Resources Change Manager employer: Burman Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Burman Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Change Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education and public sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet HR leaders and change managers. This will not only help you gain insights into the role but also potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by universities during mergers and transformations. Understanding these issues will allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with trade unions and employee relations in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex consultations and managed sensitive situations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the university's recent changes and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their current transformation programme will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and help you tailor your discussions during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Change Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in change management, particularly in unionised environments. Emphasise your skills in employee relations, redundancy processes, and project management to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key focus areas mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you have successfully led change initiatives and managed employee consultations.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your expertise in organisational change and HR consultancy. Highlight any experience you have with trade unions and your ability to navigate industrial relations effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a role in HR.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Research the Institution
Before your interview, take some time to research the university and its recent changes, especially following the merger. Understanding their mission, values, and current challenges will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Change Management Scenarios
Given the focus on complex change management, be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences. Prepare to explain how you've successfully navigated redundancy consultations or worked with trade unions, highlighting your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires excellent project and stakeholder management skills. Be prepared to share instances where you've influenced senior stakeholders or managed sensitive consultations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Employee Relations
Since the position involves managing employee relations during organisational change, brush up on relevant legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you ensure legal compliance and promote employee wellbeing during transitions, as this will show your expertise in the field.
