At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and drive organisational transformation at a top university.
- Company: Lancaster University, a globally recognised institution with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team influencing change in a prestigious academic setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of higher education and create a thriving culture for staff and students.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations, ideally at Executive or Board level.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
A culture in which colleagues can thrive and perform at their best. To build on this strong foundation, we are seeking to appoint an outstanding CPO. Reporting to the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, and as a member of the Strategic Leadership Team, the CPO will play a crucial leadership role at a time of significant change for Lancaster and the wider higher education landscape, with staff experience at the heart of the University's priorities.
The CPO will provide strategic leadership across the full people, organisational development and transformation agenda. Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team, you 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.
We are seeking a strategic and values‑driven leader with experience operating at Executive or Board level in a complex organisation. You will bring a strong track record of leading large‑scale organisational change, building high‑performing teams, and delivering both strategic and operational excellence. You will be confident navigating employee relations and trade union engagement, and able to build trusted relationships and influence across a wide range of stakeholders.
With excellent judgement, emotional intelligence and communication skills, you will be adept at operating in a collegial and intellectually dynamic environment. While experience in higher education is advantageous, we welcome candidates from related sectors who can demonstrate delivery of organisation‑wide transformation and cultural change.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a globally recognised university at a pivotal moment, shaping the environment in which its people can thrive and enabling Lancaster to deliver its long‑term vision.
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. 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 CPO will be central to shaping.
Chief People Officer in Preston employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer that prioritises a thriving work culture, offering strategic leadership opportunities in a globally recognised institution. With a strong commitment to staff experience and professional development, employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, all while contributing to the university's ambitious vision for academic excellence and community impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Lancaster University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just land you a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of fostering a thriving environment for staff.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led organisational change and built high-performing teams in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we’re always looking for passionate candidates like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief People Officer role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant achievements in organisational change.
Showcase Your Values:We want to see how your personal values align with our culture at Lancaster University. Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a positive workplace environment in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and vision for the role more easily.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Understand the Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Lancaster University's culture and values. Familiarise yourself with their People and Culture Plan and think about how your leadership style aligns with their vision. This will help you demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led organisational change or built high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved. This will highlight your capability to deliver on the university's priorities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with various stakeholders, including staff and trade unions. Prepare to discuss your strategies for fostering trust and collaboration, as this is crucial for the CPO role. Showing that you can navigate complex relationships will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
During the interview, be mindful of your communication style and emotional intelligence. Practice active listening and respond thoughtfully to questions. This will showcase your ability to operate in a collegial environment and your understanding of the importance of staff experience in driving organisational success.
