At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR policy development and drive organisational change at a prestigious university.
- Company: Join the University of Cambridge, a leader in higher education and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a complex organisation while shaping best-practice HR policies.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior HR experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63606 - 67468 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced senior HR professional to join the Human Resources Division as Head of HR Policy at the University of Cambridge. This strategic leadership role will be responsible for shaping and delivering best-practice HR policy across a complex and highly collaborative organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving organisational change, leading policy development initiatives, and building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and recognised trade unions.
As Head of HR Policy, you will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR policies, procedures, and frameworks that support organisational objectives and promote best practice. Working closely with senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will provide expert guidance on employment legislation, employee relations, governance, and strategic people initiatives. You will also lead and develop a professional HR team, ensuring high standards of service delivery and continuous improvement.
Permanent Hybrid
Salary: £63,606 - £67,468 per annum
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for the line management of around 4 Policy Consultants
- Lead the strategic development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and frameworks
- Provide expert advice on employment law, HR governance, and complex people matters
- Drive organisational and cultural change initiatives across the institution
- Build and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders, trade unions, and key stakeholders
- Lead consultation and negotiation activity relating to policy and organisational change
- Manage and develop a high-performing HR team
- Analyse qualitative and quantitative data to support evidence-based decision making
- Produce high-quality reports, recommendations, and presentations for senior stakeholders
About You
- Extensive senior HR experience in complex, unionised organisations
- Proven success delivering strategic HR policies, projects, and organisational change
- Strong leadership experience managing and developing professional teams
- In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, and union negotiations
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, influencing, and problem-solving skills
- Confident engaging with senior leaders and providing constructive challenge
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of the higher education sector, including its regulatory, employment, and cultural environment
This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic HR leader to make a significant impact within a complex and evolving organisation.
Benefits
- 41 days annual leave inclusive of public holidays
- Excellent Pension - You will automatically be enrolled to become a member of USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) – a hybrid pension scheme.
- The University salary structure includes automatic service-related pay progression in many of its grades and an annual cost of living increase
- Financial, health and wellbeing and travel benefits
- Development and learning opportunities
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible working opportunities and commitment to work/life balance
How to Apply
Please apply online or contact Jack Sharpe or Abbie Carr at Spirehouse for a confidential discussion. 📧 cambridge@spirehouse.co.uk
Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and promotes a diverse and inclusive recruitment process.
Head of HR Policy in Cambridge employer: Spirehouse
The University of Cambridge is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As the Head of HR Policy, you will benefit from a generous annual leave package, a robust pension scheme, and numerous professional development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful organisational change within a prestigious institution. With a strong commitment to work-life balance and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in the higher education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR Policy in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in complex organisations. They might have insider info on opportunities or even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's culture and recent changes in HR policies. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact at the University of Cambridge.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led policy development or managed change initiatives. This will demonstrate your expertise and leadership style to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR Policy in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR policy and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific responsibilities of the Head of HR Policy role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; we want to hear about your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've driven organisational change or developed effective HR policies in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirehouse
✨Know Your HR Policies Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in current HR policies and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the latest employment legislation and how it applies to the higher education sector. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly changing field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex people matters. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully led policy changes or managed union negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a senior HR professional, your leadership style is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you’ve developed and managed high-performing teams in the past. Highlight specific strategies you’ve used to foster collaboration and drive organisational change, as this role requires strong leadership and team development skills.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Building relationships is key in this role, so use the interview to showcase your interpersonal skills. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and the challenges they face. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge the organisational culture and dynamics.
