At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational HR change projects and enhance organisational culture at Heriot-Watt University.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking university committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on equality, diversity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people and culture while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Strong project management and change management skills; HR experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 58225 £ per year.
The Strategic HR Change Partner will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering transformational change across Heriot‑Watt University’s people, culture, and organisational development agenda. As a newly created position, the role will be responsible for project managing People change projects and programmes, ensuring they are well‑designed, programme managed effectively launched and embedded across the University’s global campuses.
Working closely with the Deputy Director of HR, Human Resource Leadership Team, Senior leaders, and project sponsors, the Strategic HR Change Partner will champion modern, evidence‑based approaches to people change and project management, supporting the University’s Strategy 2035 and beyond. This is a new and unique opportunity within the HR Directorate and the chance to influence University‑wide change and transformation to promote a collaborative, values‑driven environment committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Change Strategy & Leadership
- Act as the HR change expert for major transformation programmes, ensuring people‑centred change principles are embedded.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders on organisational design and change readiness.
- Build strong relationships across Strategic People Partners and People Partners, and global campus HR teams to ensure consistent change delivery.
- Programme & Project Delivery
- Lead the planning, design, and facilitate the implementation of HR change projects, including across all HR specialisms including for example culture change initiatives, employee relations and organisational design in conjunction with colleagues across the function.
- In partnership with the senior leadership team provide programme management of the people and culture 10-year strategy.
- Establish clear project governance, milestones, and success measures.
- Identify risks, issues, and interdependencies, ensuring proactive mitigation and escalation where required.
- Coordinate cross‑functional project teams and external partners as needed.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Develop and deliver communication and engagement plans that support understanding, adoption, and sustained behavioural change in conjunction with internal communications colleagues.
- Facilitate workshops, focus groups, and consultation activities with staff, managers, and trade union partners.
- Ensure change messaging is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with university values.
- Capability Building
- Equip managers and HR colleagues with tools, frameworks, and confidence to lead change effectively.
- Design and deliver training, toolkits, and resources to strengthen organisational change capability in conjunction with Professional and Organisational Development colleagues.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the HR Directorate.
- Use data, analytics, and staff feedback to inform change design and measure impact.
- Produce reports, dashboards, and recommendations for senior leadership around people change.
- Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future initiatives.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
- Essential
- Excellent project management skills, with experience delivering multiple concurrent initiatives and experience with recognised qualifications.
- Excellent change management skills and experience with recognised qualifications.
- Experience leading complex organisational change in a large, multi‑stakeholder environment.
- Strong understanding of HR functions, employment frameworks, and people‑centred change methodologies.
- Demonstrable ability to influence senior leaders and build trust across diverse groups.
- Outstanding communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building skills.
- Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and translate insights into action.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Desirable
- Professional HR qualification (e.g., CIPD).
- Experience working in a global organisation.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on 23:55 on 2nd of July 2026. Please submit your CV via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment website. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.
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 here and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers here.
Use our total rewards calculator: here 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.
Strategic HR Change Partner in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering a unique opportunity for the Strategic HR Change Partner to influence transformational change across its global campuses. With a commitment to employee growth, the university provides extensive benefits including 33 days of annual leave, professional development resources, and a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking institution dedicated to making a real-world impact while ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Change Partner in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Heriot-Watt University on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Strategic HR Change Partner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the university's Strategy 2035. Show us how your skills in project management and change leadership can directly contribute to their goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves engaging with senior leaders and diverse teams, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Heriot-Watt community and contributing to their culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic HR Change Partner in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic HR Change Partner role. Highlight your project management and change management experience, and don’t forget to showcase your ability to influence senior leaders and build relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills align with the university's values and goals. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your capability in leading complex organisational change. Use data and examples to illustrate your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through the Heriot-Watt online recruitment 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 Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Change Management Principles
Familiarise yourself with people-centred change methodologies and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led complex organisational changes, as this will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Reach out to current or former employees of the university to gain insights into their culture and values. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your proactive approach to building relationships, which is crucial for a Strategic HR Change Partner.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think about how you would develop and deliver communication plans that support behavioural change. Be prepared to discuss your experience in facilitating workshops and focus groups, as well as how you ensure inclusivity and transparency in your messaging.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to talk about how you've used data and analytics to inform change design and measure impact in previous roles. Prepare examples of reports or dashboards you've created, and how they influenced decision-making at a senior level.
