At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and foster a thriving workplace culture.
- Company: Lancaster University, a top-ranked global research institution with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a real impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: Proven leader with experience in organisational change and team building.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Overview
Lancaster University is a leading global research institution, rooted in its local community and defined by academic excellence and a strong sense of purpose. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and internationally, and recognised with a TEF Gold award for teaching excellence, Lancaster brings together world‑class research and an outstanding student experience within a distinctive collegiate culture. With a turnover of c.£400m, 3,500 staff and more than 29,000 students, the University combines global reach with a close‑knit, supportive academic community and a strong sense of regional and international impact.
Current Challenges
Our ambition is to be sustainable, academically excellent and recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. Our success is driven by our people, and as we continue to evolve in an increasingly complex higher education landscape, the Chief People Officer (CPO) will be central to shaping a culture in which colleagues can thrive and perform at their best.
Responsibilities
The CPO will provide strategic leadership across the full people, organisational development and transformation agenda. Working closely with the Vice‑Chair, senior leadership team and the Vice‑Chancellor, the CPO will shape and deliver a progressive and forward‑looking People and Culture Plan aligned to the University’s priorities, ensuring Lancaster has the capability, culture and workforce profile required for long‑term success. Key duties include:
- Leading large‑scale organisational change and building high‑performing teams.
- Delivering strategic and operational excellence in people management.
- Managing employee relations and trade‑union engagement.
- Building trusted relationships and influencing across stakeholders.
- Applying strong judgement, emotional intelligence and communication skills in a collegial, intellectually dynamic environment.
Qualifications
Strategic and values‑driven leader with experience operating at Executive or Board level in a complex organisation. Proven track record of leading large‑scale organisational change, building high‑performing teams, and delivering strategic and operational excellence. Demonstrated ability to navigate employee relations and trade‑union engagement, with strong judgment, emotional intelligence and communication skills. Experience in higher education is advantageous but not essential; candidates from related sectors who can demonstrate delivery of organisation‑wide transformation and cultural change will also be considered.
Equal Opportunities
Lancaster University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
Chief People Officer (CPO) employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, staff benefit from a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. The role of Chief People Officer is pivotal in shaping a progressive People and Culture Plan, ensuring that employees thrive while contributing to the university's mission of global impact and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer (CPO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Lancaster University. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university’s culture and values. Understand their current challenges and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led change and built high-performing teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨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 team at Lancaster University. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer (CPO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief People Officer role. Highlight your experience in leading organisational change and building high-performing teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see how you lead! Use your application to demonstrate your strategic and values-driven leadership approach. Share examples that reflect your ability to influence and build trusted relationships across stakeholders.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value emotional intelligence and strong communication skills, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for fostering a thriving workplace culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Lancaster University's mission, values, and current challenges. Familiarise yourself with their People and Culture Plan and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Chief People Officer, your leadership style is crucial. Be ready to discuss your approach to leading large-scale organisational change and building high-performing teams. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Highlight your emotional intelligence and communication skills during the interview. Discuss how you've built trusted relationships and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This is particularly important in a collegial environment like Lancaster University.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think of situations where you've had to manage employee relations or engage with trade unions. Prepare concise, structured responses that demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
