At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations and provide strategic support to enhance staff engagement and wellbeing.
- Company: Clare College Cambridge, a progressive and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, annual bonus, meals on duty, and healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Beautiful location in Cambridge with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a historic college and make a real impact on its vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience with strong multitasking and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 69000 € per year.
Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.
Hours: Full-Time, 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £63,000 - £69,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location: Trinity Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1TL
The Role
Are you an experienced HR professional? Do you have a proven track-record of delivering an effective HR service across a complex organisation? Clare College Cambridge seeks to appoint a new Head of HR, in succession to the current post-holder who is retiring after 22 years at the College. This is an exciting opportunity to join a college which seeks to remain at the forefront of education, learning and research.
As Head of HR, you will make a vital contribution to the smooth and effective running of the College by providing relevant, timely and professional HR advice and support, and by ensuring that the HR Department delivers its operations to a high standard.
About Us
Founded in 1326, Clare College is the second oldest of the 31 colleges in the University of Cambridge. Regarded as one of the more progressive and informal, it is renowned as a college that achieves academically at the highest levels, whilst also being welcoming, forward-thinking, and inclusive. Clare College has a small number of academic employees and around 150 non-academic staff across a wide range of departments (including Housekeeping, Hospitality, Buildings and Maintenance, Porters, Finance and Tutorial). Staff support the academic mission of the College as well as its commercial conferencing business.
Located in the heart of Cambridge city centre, the College is extraordinarily beautiful and famed for its gardens on “the Backs” (the famous backs of the Colleges that overlook the River Cam). Clare’s Old Court, a Grade I listed building, is the centre of the College and is unique among the ancient Cambridge Colleges in having maintained its architectural integrity over the course of its history.
About You
You will be an experienced HR professional with a demonstrable ability to multi-task at operational and strategic levels, including policy development, staff engagement, wellbeing and training. A high degree of discretion, judgement and tact, and the ability to work and remain calm under pressure are all prerequisites, as are a solution-oriented mindset and a focus on continuous improvement. You will be able to deal with people professionally, politely and sensitively at all levels, both verbally and in writing, and to take into account different views or priorities before making balanced recommendations or taking action.
Remuneration will be between £63,000 and £69,000 depending on experience. There will be a four-month probationary period. The role holder will be eligible to join the College’s contributory pension scheme after three months’ service. In addition to this the post holder would be eligible to park at the College, receive a bonus every year, and meals on duty. We also offer membership of a defined salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme and a Healthcare cash plan.
The closing date for this position is 09:00 BST on Thursday 21 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on the afternoon of Wednesday 27 May 2026.
Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We are committed to the principles of equal opportunities, diversity and respect and want to be known as an employer that invests in its staff, recognising and rewarding them for their commitment.
No agencies please.
Head of HR in Newtown employer: Clare College Cambridge
Clare College Cambridge is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a historic and beautiful setting at the heart of Cambridge. With a commitment to staff development, a supportive work culture, and competitive benefits including a contributory pension scheme and annual bonuses, Clare College fosters an inclusive environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Newtown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Clare College and its culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their values. We want you to shine when you get that chance to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past HR successes to the table during interviews. We love hearing about how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Clare College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Newtown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in a Head of HR and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We love seeing how you can bring your unique background to Clare College and contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your HR Expertise:In your application, be sure to showcase your HR expertise and any specific achievements. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clare College Cambridge
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest HR trends and best practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with policy development, staff engagement, and wellbeing initiatives. This role is all about delivering effective HR services, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
As a Head of HR, you'll need to demonstrate discretion, judgement, and tact. Prepare examples that highlight how you've handled sensitive situations or resolved conflicts in the past. They want to see that you can remain calm under pressure and communicate effectively at all levels.
✨Research Clare College
Familiarise yourself with Clare College's history, values, and current HR challenges. Understanding their unique culture will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points during the interview!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the HR department's goals, challenges, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if this is the right fit for you. Remember, you’re interviewing them too!
