At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of People Services and enhance HR operations at a newly formed university.
- Company: City St George’s, University of London, a dynamic institution with a strong civic impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of HR.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on modernising HR processes and building trust across the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a pivotal role that influences the university's success.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience, especially in complex environments and higher education.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
City St George’s, University of London is seeking to appoint a Director of Operational People Services to lead the next stage of development in its People Directorate. This is a significant opportunity to join a newly formed university at an important point in its evolution. Created through the merger of City, University of London and St George’s, University of London, City St George’s has brought together two distinctive institutions with shared ambition, strong professional purpose and deep civic impact.
The People Directorate has a central role to play in supporting that next chapter. The University is strengthening its operational HR foundations, modernising processes, embedding better use of systems and building greater confidence in people management across the organisation. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Director of Operational People Services will lead a broad portfolio covering People Operations, Employee Relations and Policy, People Systems, Global Mobility, reward and related services.
The successful candidate will help strengthen service standards, lead the continued implementation of technology and develop the standard operating procedures, workflows and process improvements needed to support a modern service. They will also help move the University towards a clearer tiered model of support, with greater use of self-service, clearer routes for advice and stronger manager accountability.
We are looking for a senior HR leader with a strong track record in complex People operations and HR service delivery. You will bring experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams, improving service quality, managing employee relations and policy, working with people systems and delivering practical change in a complex environment. Experience of higher education would be highly valuable.
The University is particularly interested in candidates who understand academic environments, institutional governance, employee relations in a unionised context and the importance of building trust with senior academic and professional services leaders. This is a demanding and high-impact role. It will suit someone who brings structure, sound judgement and the credibility to balance day-to-day operational delivery with longer-term transformation.
You will be joining City St George’s at a moment when the operational strength of the People Directorate will make a direct contribution to the University’s future success.
To find out more and apply for this role, please visit: The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 13 July 2026.
Director of Operational People Services in London employer: City St George's Students' Union
City St George’s, University of London is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of its People Directorate during a pivotal time in its evolution. With a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on modernising HR processes, employees can expect to thrive in an environment that values innovation and trust. The university's dedication to civic impact and employee growth makes it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in higher education.
Contact Details:
City St George's Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operational People Services in London
✨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 City St George's Students' Union!
✨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.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 City St George's Students' Union.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operational People Services in London
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 City St George's Students' Union. 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 City St George's Students' Union 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 City St George's Students' Union. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to City St George's Students' Union'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 City St George's Students' Union
✨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 City St George's Students' Union.
✨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 City St George's Students' Union 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 City St George's Students' Union and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
