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- Tasks: Lead strategic people partnering and create a high-performance culture for 2500-3500 employees.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester, a top Russell Group university with over 46,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and a vibrant campus environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience and foster an inclusive culture at a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic people management and leadership roles is essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Director of People Partnering (TUOM-17) Manchester, England
Job Title: Director of People Partnering
Location: Oxford Road, Manchester (hybrid)
Salary: Competitive.
Job type: Full Time, Permanent. 35 hours per week.
Closing date: 21/02/2025
The University of Manchester is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and one of the largest single-site universities in the UK. With an annual turnover in excess of £1.35 billion, it is home to more than 46,000 students, over 13,000 staff and has a significant ongoing programme of capital investment across the campus estate. The University’s vision is to be recognised globally for the excellence of its people, research, learning and innovation, and for the benefits they bring to society and the environment.
The Role:
The Directors provide a strategic people partnering service to Faculty or Professional Services / Cultural Services (PS&CI) senior leadership teams, working in collaboration with the leadership teams to translate strategic priorities into an enabling people plan across the faculty / PS&CI covering between 2500 – 3500 employees. The role will lead a team of People Partners, assigned to schools in faculty or directorates, in the delivery of people priorities aimed at creating a culture of high performance and service excellence. The Faculty / PS&CI Director of People Partnering is a key member of the People senior leadership team, contributing to the development of the People Directorate and the development and implementation of a University wide people strategy.
Principal Accountabilities:
- As a member of the faculty / PS&CI senior leadership team, provide strategic people partnering, consultancy and coaching service to the senior leadership teams to translate strategic objectives into an inclusive and engaging people plan that enables delivery of strategic and future focused priorities.
- Lead the team of People Partners to provide strategic and future focused people partnering to schools within faculty or directorate leadership teams, creating an engaging and inclusive culture of high performance and agility in which the team can perform at their best.
- Create a compelling and aligned people strategy across the faculty / PS-CI in line with the University People strategy.
- When required, take the lead on University wide change projects impacting on the employee experience, translating programme deliverables into tangible people related actions, experiences and priorities. Lead the delivery of people priorities throughout the University.
- As a member of the People Directorate senior leadership team, ensure that faculty / PS-CI strategic priorities are fully embedded into the University wide people strategy and that priorities and deliverables are fully integrated and responsive to the current and future needs of the University. Lead the partner teams in the implementation of priorities across schools and directorate with an approach aligned to our One University principles and values.
- When required, take the lead on University-wide collective engagement and consultation with Campus Trade Unions and work in partnership with the Employee Relations Team to ensure a positive employee relations climate throughout.
- In collaboration with the Directorate of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), ensure that EDI is embedded and championed throughout the faculty/ PS-CI people plans with senior leadership commitment and sponsorship that fosters a culture of action, inclusion and continuous improvement.
Internal and External Relationships:
- Internal: Vice-President and Dean, Director of Faculty Operations, Vice Deans, Heads of School and Heads of School Operations – engagement as key clients in Faculty to scope priorities, monitor performance and recalibrate where necessary.
- For PS&CI role, senior leaders, including members of the University’s Professional Services Leadership Team (PSLT).
- Trade union representatives for negotiation and consultation.
- External: Trade union officials, Universities Colleges Employers’ Association (UCEA) – to influence national pay negotiations and approaches to national industrial relations issues, Universities Human Resources (UHR) and cross-sector professional fora/networks, Professional bodies and networks, Consultants engaged on an ad hoc basis to provide specialist services.
As an equal opportunity employer, we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.
Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; People Director, University Director, Strategic Director, People Strategy Director, People Lead, may also be considered for this role.
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Director of People Partnering employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People Partnering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the University of Manchester's strategic goals and values. Understanding their vision for excellence in people, research, and innovation will help you align your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles at the University. Engaging with them can provide insights into the culture and expectations of the position, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in leading teams and implementing people strategies that foster inclusivity and high performance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and engaged with diverse stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in higher education HR practices, especially around employee relations and diversity initiatives. This knowledge will not only enhance your application but also prepare you for discussions during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People Partnering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of People Partnering position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your strategic people partnering capabilities. Focus on leadership roles, change management projects, and any experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your understanding of the University’s vision and values. Discuss how you can contribute to creating a culture of high performance and service excellence.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of past achievements that relate to the role. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact in previous positions, especially in areas like employee engagement and strategic planning.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Familiarize yourself with the University of Manchester's vision and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of excellence in people, research, learning, and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable people plans. Highlight your experience in leading teams and driving cultural change within organizations.
✨Emphasize Collaboration Skills
As this role involves working closely with senior leadership teams, be ready to discuss your collaborative approach. Share instances where you successfully partnered with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Highlight EDI Commitment
Given the importance of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in this role, prepare to discuss how you have championed EDI initiatives in previous positions. Provide specific examples of how you fostered an inclusive culture.
