At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a positive workplace culture and enhance employee engagement across the university.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a diverse and inclusive community focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting journey with a ten-year strategy focused on culture and engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and contribute to a thriving workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in employee engagement or organisational development required.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 47389 £ per year.
Description
Role
Employee Engagement Specialist
Grade and Salary
FTE and working pattern
Full-time (35hrs per week), Open-Ended
Holiday Entitlement
33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role
We are at the beginning of an exciting new chapter with the launch of Strategy 35.
This ambitious ten-year strategy places culture and employee engagement at its heart, and to support its delivery we are recruiting a new Employee Engagement Specialist who will play a key role in helping us realise our vision.
To support the development, implementation and evaluation of the University's employee engagement strategy, creating an inclusive, connected and positive workplace culture that supports staff wellbeing, performance and organisational success.
Working in partnership with the Reward and Wellbeing Specialist, you will collaborate with leaders, managers and employees across the University to foster a positive employee experience, drive engagement, and create an environment in which staff feel informed, valued, connected and supported to contribute to the University's strategic ambitions.
- Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Employee Engagement Strategy
- Work with Global Head of Reward and Wellbeing to develop and deliver a university wide employee engagement strategy aligned to institutional priorities and values.
- Design and implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement, belonging, motivation and organisational commitment.
- Monitor engagement trends and recommend evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes.
- Benchmark engagement practices against the higher education sector and wider external market.
- Staff Voice and Listening
- Support the Global Head of Reward and Wellbeing to develop and deliver an employee engagement survey strategy.
- Support the undertaking of focus groups and surveys committed to in the Global EDI Strategy and as part of EDI accreditations (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Disability Confident, Race at Work Charter).
- Analyse survey results and develop action plans with senior leaders, managers and strategic people partners.
- Establish mechanisms for continuous staff feedback and consultation.
- Collaborate, promote and support established staff networks to ensure employee voice informs decision making.
- Establish, collaborate and support new employee forums and groups to ensure employee voice informs decision making.
- Employee Experience
- Work across the employee lifecycle to enhance the experience of staff from recruitment through to exit.
- Identify opportunities to improve organisational culture and employee touchpoints.
- Create, Coordinate and programmes initiatives that strengthen recognition, inclusion and staff appreciation.
- Develop, Support and deliver programmes that promote collaboration across campuses and locations.
- Support the diversity of our staff networks on subject specific initiatives.
- Communication and Change Engagement
- Partner with Internal Communications colleagues to ensure effective communication of organisational priorities and change initiatives.
- Develop engagement plans that support organisational change and transformation programmes.
- Help leaders communicate with authenticity, transparency and consistency.
- Guide and support HR policy authors, with EDI, on their engagement on policy development/review as part of the Equality Impact Assessment process.
- Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture
- Support the development of a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Work closely with EDI, Wellbeing and HR colleagues to develop and deliver initiatives promoting belonging and employee wellbeing.
- Ensure engagement activities support the University's statutory and additional commitments to equality, diversity and inclusion in both a national and global sense.
- Contribute to initiatives such as Athena Swan, wellbeing frameworks and staff recognition programmes.
- Data, Insights and Reporting
- Analyse employee engagement, wellbeing and retention data to identify trends and risks.
- Produce reports and presentations for University Executive, governance committees and senior leadership teams.
- Supporting the Global EDI Strategy actions through analytical data presentation and reporting at the Global EDI Committee.
- Develop and monitor KPIs relating to engagement, culture and employee experience.
- Evaluate the impact and return on investment of engagement initiatives.
- Leadership and Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, HR colleagues, managers and staff representatives.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on employee engagement best practice.
- Influence and support leaders to create highly engaged and inclusive teams.
- Manage external suppliers where required.
Education, Qualifications & Experience
Essential Criteria
Degree qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification (or working towards).
- Significant experience of employee engagement, employee experience, organisational development or culture change.
- Experience of designing and delivering engagement strategies and initiatives.
- Experience of analysing employee survey data and translating insights into action.
- Experience of stakeholder management at senior levels.
- Knowledge of contemporary employee engagement and employee experience practices.
- Experience of working within a complex organisation.
Desirable Criteria
Experience within Higher Education or the public sector.
- Experience of supporting culture change or large-scale organisational transformation.
- Knowledge of EDI and wellbeing frameworks.
- Experience of engagement platform implementation and management.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on
Sunday 4th of October 2026.
Please submit your CV and covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.
Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
For more information, please see our website https://www. hw. ac. uk/uk/services/equality-diversity. htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc. hw. ac. uk/ .
Use our total rewards calculator: https://www. hw. ac. uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator. htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together.
Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future.
Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Employee Engagement Specialist in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Paralegal to shape and grow the University's legal function while working in a vibrant, diverse environment at our Edinburgh campus. With 33 days of annual leave, a commitment to employee well-being, and a focus on professional development, you will gain invaluable experience across various legal areas and contribute to impactful projects within a globally recognised institution. Join us to be part of a supportive community that values inclusivity and encourages career growth in a dynamic, international setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Engagement Specialist in Edinburgh
✨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 Heriot-Watt University!
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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 Heriot-Watt University.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Engagement Specialist in Edinburgh
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 Heriot-Watt University. 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 Heriot-Watt University 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 Heriot-Watt University. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Heriot-Watt University'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 Heriot-Watt University
✨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 Heriot-Watt University.
✨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 Heriot-Watt University 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 Heriot-Watt University and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
