At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people and culture strategy for a pioneering archaeology charity.
- Company: Join Oxford Archaeology, a leader in connecting people with their shared past.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the UK and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an impactful organisation and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 and experience in leading organisational change are essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join the Executive Team of a growing archaeology charity and develop a modern people function, shaping the culture and capability behind some of the UK's most significant archaeological discoveries. Oxford Archaeology (OA) is one of the UK's leading archaeological practices, and a charity which has been connecting people with their shared past for more than 50 years. From single house extensions to national infrastructure projects such as HS2, the team of almost 500 archaeologists, scientists and specialists work across sites throughout the UK from their offices in Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster, uncovering, preserving and sharing what lies beneath the ground for the benefit of everyone.
This is a newly created role at a genuinely pivotal moment for OA. As the organisation has grown in scale, reach and impact, its people, culture and organisational systems now need to be strengthened to match. You'll join the Executive Team, with a mandate to build the people function OA needs for its next decade of growth.
As Director of People and Culture, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership on people, culture and organisational development, working closely with the Executive Team, Board of Trustees and HR team
- Develop and deliver a People and Culture Strategy that supports OA's charitable mission, commercial ambitions and long-term strategy
- Lead organisational change and transformation, strengthening structures, systems and governance across a complex, growing organisation
- Build a distinctive employer value proposition and an inclusive, high-performing culture that attracts, engages and retains talented people
- Act as OA's Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Lead and develop the HR and Learning & Development teams
We're seeking an experienced, values-led senior HR leader with a track record of leading organisational change and building people strategies within complex, growing organisations. CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) and Designated Safeguarding Lead experience are essential, alongside the credibility to influence at executive and board level and the pragmatism to build strong foundations from the ground up.
Please note: the majority of the HR and L&D team work from the Oxford office. Regular travel, as well as some out of hours attendance at events will be required, through the UK. Oxford Archaeology has three main bases: Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster. The organisation offers hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days per week within one of OA’s offices.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
Director of People and Culture in Lancaster employer: Oxford Archaeology
As a Community Engagement and Social Value Officer with us, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in the communities of Oxford, Cambridge, or Lancaster. We offer a supportive work culture that values creativity and collaboration, alongside competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to engage diverse communities through innovative archaeological projects while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working and a commitment to inclusion and diversity.
