At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead organisational development initiatives and enhance employee experience in the UK HE sector.
- Company: UCEA, the voice of employment matters in UK Higher Education.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on influencing positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of higher education and employee engagement.
- Qualifications: Passion for learning, development, and experience in organisational change.
The predicted salary is between 35591 - 43500 £ per year.
The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) is a membership organisation that is the leading voice on employment and reward matters in the UK Higher Education (HE) sector.
We are a small team supporting our 169 members - HE providers such as universities, to be employers of choice through collaboration, advocacy and expert advice, facilitating their work in delivering effective employment and workforce strategies.
UECEA is also the employer representative for around 330 participating employers in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
We are looking for someone with a passion for learning, development and organisational change and development who can deliver against UCEA’s strategic priority of enhancing the employee experience.
You will represent UCEA’s interests in this area, working in partnership with universities and other key stakeholders, influencing strategies and helping share good practice around the UK.
You will be confident working with senior leaders and decision-makers, and in stating the case for change.
Further, the postholder will help design and deliver our strategic training and development programme covering a range of topical policy and legal issues pertinent to a broad cross-section of higher education employers.
The post is offered as full-time on a permanent contract or as a secondment opportunity with hybrid working at our offices in Bloomsbury, central London, as well as some home working each week.
The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 14 September 2026.
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Head of Organisational Development - supporting the UK HE sector employer: UCEA
The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment in the UK Higher Education sector. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to enhancing the employee experience, UCEA offers unique opportunities for growth and professional advancement, all while being situated in the vibrant heart of Bloomsbury, London. Join us to make a meaningful impact in shaping employment strategies and practices across universities, while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working and a close-knit team culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Organisational Development - supporting the UK HE sector
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like UCEA.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like UCEA.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Organisational Development - supporting the UK HE sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to UCEA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of UCEA. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCEA
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with UCEA, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at UCEA, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for UCEA could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at UCEA as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
