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- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives and drive transformation at Lancaster University.
- Company: Join a top-ranked UK university with a vibrant community of 24,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment focused on inclusivity and global impact.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact by shaping a progressive workplace and empowering staff.
- Qualifications: Strong HR background with proven strategic change leadership experience required.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and are committed to equality of opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Lancaster University is a globally engaged institution set within a stunning 578-acre parkland campus. Home to a vibrant community of 24,000 students, we are a TEF Gold institution consistently ranked in the UK’s top 10 by the Complete University Guide 2025 . Nearly half of our REF 21 submissions achieved a 4* rating, reaffirming our commitment to world-class research and teaching.
As the institution embarks on an exciting period of transformation, we are seeking a visionary Chief People Officer to play a central role in shaping the future of our University. This pivotal, strategic leadership position will influence and drive initiatives across human resources, organisational development, and change management to support the University’s ambitions and uphold our values.
In this critical role, you will work closely with our executive team to implement the University’s People and Culture Plan, aligning people practices with our strategy for sustainable growth and global impact. The CPO will provide expert advice and support to ensure our people strategy evolves to meet the challenges of operating on a global stage.
As a high-profile and influential leader, you will oversee major transformation projects, workforce planning, and initiatives that enhance organisational effectiveness and foster a thriving, inclusive staff culture. Your leadership will empower academic and professional services colleagues to thrive in an ever-changing higher education landscape.
We are seeking a forward-thinking, accomplished professional with a strong HR background and a proven record of strategic change leadership in complex organisations. You will bring deep expertise in transformation, talent development, employee engagement, and innovative workforce solutions. Crucially, you will have the vision and capability to support Lancaster’s growth both locally and internationally, ensuring that our people strategy is agile, inclusive, and aligned with our global ambitions.
If you are passionate about shaping a progressive, inclusive workplace and aligning people practices with institutional values, we invite you to make a lasting impact at Lancaster University. Join us in driving meaningful change and empowering our community to achieve its full potential on a global scale.
The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 23 December 2024.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
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Chief People Officer employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Lancaster University's People and Culture Plan. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your vision and demonstrate how your experience can contribute to their objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Lancaster University, especially those in HR or leadership roles. Gaining insights into the university's culture and challenges can provide you with valuable context for your discussions during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past experiences in transformation and change management. Highlighting measurable outcomes from your previous roles will showcase your ability to drive initiatives that align with the university's ambitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in higher education and global workforce strategies. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and innovations in the sector will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can contribute to Lancaster's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief People Officer position at Lancaster University. Familiarize yourself with their People and Culture Plan and how it aligns with the university's strategic goals.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight your HR background, strategic change leadership experience, and expertise in transformation and talent development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive initiatives in complex organizations.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for creating an inclusive workplace and your vision for aligning people practices with institutional values. Be sure to connect your previous experiences with the challenges and opportunities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: Emphasize your leadership capabilities and how you have empowered teams in previous roles. Provide examples of successful transformation projects or workforce planning initiatives that showcase your ability to foster a thriving staff culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Familiarize yourself with Lancaster University's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your vision for the Chief People Officer role aligns with the institution's goals, especially in terms of transformation and global impact.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous experiences in strategic change leadership within complex organizations. Provide specific examples of how you have successfully implemented HR initiatives that fostered an inclusive culture and enhanced organizational effectiveness.
✨Emphasize Your Expertise in Talent Development
Discuss your deep expertise in talent development and employee engagement. Be ready to share innovative workforce solutions you've implemented in the past and how they contributed to a thriving workplace.
✨Prepare for Questions on Global Challenges
Anticipate questions regarding the challenges of operating on a global stage. Think about how you would adapt the people strategy to meet these challenges while ensuring inclusivity and alignment with institutional values.
