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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and manage complex employee relations in a global research environment.
- Company: Globally recognised academic institution with a focus on world-leading research.
- Benefits: Generous pension, 38 days leave, hybrid working, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, international organisation while shaping HR practices.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 and proven senior HR leadership experience required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
A globally recognised, research-intensive academic institution is seeking an experienced Interim Head of HR to support a large, complex division delivering world-leading research across the UK and internationally. This is a senior leadership role within a highly matrixed environment, supporting multiple research units and a globally distributed workforce.
This is a critical interim leadership role reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for leading the HR function and partnering with senior stakeholders across a diverse, international organisation. You will operate at both strategic and operational levels, driving HR strategy, leading change initiatives, and managing complex employee relations and organisational challenges. The role also has a unique global dimension, supporting workforce models that include a significant number of internationally based staff across multiple jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities:- Strategic HR Leadership: Shape and deliver the HR strategy aligned to organisational priorities; Partner with senior leadership to drive change, transformation, and workforce planning; Lead on HR aspects of governance, risk, and compliance frameworks; Provide expert advice on complex international employment models and structures; Champion equality, diversity & inclusion across the organisation; Lead HR projects and cyclical programmes to time and quality standards.
- HR Leadership & Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing HR function (c. 20+ team members); Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to HR managers and wider team; Drive continuous improvement and innovation in HR service delivery; Foster a customer-focused, high-performance culture.
- HR Operations & Service Delivery: Act as escalation point for complex employee relations cases; Advise senior stakeholders on high-risk and sensitive HR matters; Lead on dispute resolution, mediation, and investigations; Liaise with legal and central HR functions to mitigate organisational risk; Support senior recruitment, including business cases for executive hires; Oversee international working arrangements, secondments, and funding models.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships across operational and academic leadership teams; Collaborate with central functions and external partners; Represent HR on internal committees and working groups.
- Essential: CIPD Level 7; Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role within a complex organisation; Strong track record of delivering HR strategy and leading change initiatives; Deep knowledge of UK employment law and risk management; Extensive experience managing complex employee relations cases; Experience leading and developing HR teams; Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills; Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Desirable: Experience within higher education, research, or similarly complex environments; Exposure to international workforce models and global HR challenges; Experience with EDI frameworks and initiatives; Chartered CIPD status.
- Generous pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- Hybrid working model (4 days onsite)
- Family-friendly policies and childcare support
- Travel and transport benefits
- Access to social, cultural, and sporting facilities
- Inclusive and collaborative working environment
interim Head of HR employer: Burman Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Burman Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land interim Head of HR
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry leaders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in HR leadership roles. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get advice on navigating the job market. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your interest and skills without the pressure of a formal interview.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Share specific examples of how you've led change initiatives or managed complex employee relations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers. Let’s land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace interim Head of HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Head of HR. Highlight your experience in strategic HR leadership and managing complex employee relations, as these are key for this position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven HR strategy and led change initiatives in previous roles.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders. We want to see how you've influenced and collaborated with leadership teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Know Your HR Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the HR strategy of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their priorities and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to shaping and delivering their HR strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an interim Head of HR, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, driven change initiatives, and managed complex employee relations in previous roles. Highlight your coaching style and how you've developed high-performing teams.
✨Be Ready for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about handling complex employee relations cases and international workforce models. Think of specific situations where you've successfully navigated these challenges. This will show your problem-solving skills and deep knowledge of UK employment law.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Think about your approach to collaboration and communication, especially in a matrixed environment. Being able to demonstrate your influencing skills will be key to showcasing your fit for this role.