At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations for a patient-centric clinical trial site network.
- Company: Civia Health, transforming lives through innovative clinical research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a culture of empathy and integrity.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on patient-first values.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing talent and culture.
- Qualifications: 10+ years HR experience, strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Department: Human Strategy
Reports To: Chief Human Strategy Officer
Location: Leeds, UK
On-site / Multi-site Travel: Up to 30% (site visits across the network)
Our Purpose: At Civia Health, we’re building a patient-centric clinical trial site network designed to transform lives and advance science — with empathy, integrity, and trust at the center of everything we do. We believe access to clinical research is access to care, and we exist to make that care human.
Role Summary: The Senior/Director of Human Strategy serves as a hands-on leader responsible for scaling and operationalizing all core HR functions across a growing clinical trial site network. This role partners closely with site leadership, site leads, and functional heads to ensure the organization attracts, develops, and retains talent while operating with the highest standards of compliance, patient-centricity, and cultural integrity. This leader balances strategy and execution, building scalable people systems while remaining deeply connected to the realities of multi-site clinical operations.
Responsibilities
- Culture, Engagement & Leadership Development: Human Strategy & Leadership Partnership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to site leadership teams
- Translate business strategy, growth plans, and regulatory requirements into scalable people strategies
- Lead HR decision-making with a balance of empathy, integrity, and operational rigor
- Act as a visible leader across sites, reinforcing culture, values, and accountability
- Employee Lifecycle & HR Operations (Multi-Site):
- Own the full employee lifecycle across the site network—workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, development, performance, and exits
- Ensure consistent HR practices across all sites while allowing for local regulatory nuances
- Oversee personnel files, documentation, and data integrity
- Build repeatable, audit-ready HR processes suitable for a regulated clinical environment
- Employee Relations & Performance Management:
- Lead and oversee employee relations matters, investigations, and corrective actions
- Coach leaders on performance management, difficult conversations, and people decisions
- Manage performance management frameworks aligned with clinical quality, patient experience, and business outcomes
- Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant application of policies across sites
- Compliance, Risk & Regulatory Alignment:
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across all operating geographies
- Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Clinical Operations to align HR practices with GCP, FDA expectations, and site audits
- Lead HR readiness for inspections, audits, and due diligence activities
- Maintain and evolve HR policies, and training programs
- Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning:
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to support hiring for critical site roles (PI support, CRCs, RNs, Site Directors, corporate roles)
- Ensure hiring practices meet both speed-to-hire and quality/compliance standards
- Support workforce planning tied to site launches, trial starts, and enrollment ramp-up
- Build strong onboarding experiences that reinforce patient-first and quality-first expectations
- Champion a patient-first, human-centered culture across all sites and corporate teams
- Work with Human Strategy team to deploy engagement surveys, feedback mechanisms, and action planning
- Help support leadership development, manager training, and succession planning
- Embed company values into performance reviews, recognition, and daily operations
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including senior leadership responsibility
- Demonstrated experience supporting multi-site, regulated environments
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR compliance
- Proven ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels
Strongly Preferred
- Experience in clinical research, healthcare delivery, life sciences, or clinical trial site networks
- Experience scaling HR in a high-growth or private equity / venture-backed environment
- Experience partnering with Compliance, Legal, and Clinical Operations teams
Core Competencies
- Executive presence and sound judgment
- High integrity and discretion
- Ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity
- Strong coaching and influencing skills
- Deep commitment to patient-centric and employee-centric practices
Senior Director, Human Strategy Business Partner (Clinical Trial Site Network) in East Keswick employer: Civia Health
At Civia Health, we are not just offering a job; we are inviting you to join a mission that prioritises patient empowerment and innovative clinical research. Our collaborative and inclusive work culture fosters professional growth while ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in reshaping the future of clinical trials. With competitive compensation, generous benefits, and a commitment to health equity, Civia Health is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Human Strategy Business Partner (Clinical Trial Site Network) in East Keswick
✨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 Civia Health!
✨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 Civia Health.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Human Strategy Business Partner (Clinical Trial Site Network) in East Keswick
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 Civia Health. 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 Civia Health 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 Civia Health. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Civia Health'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 Civia Health
✨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 Civia Health.
✨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 Civia Health 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 Civia Health and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
