At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives and support organisational change at a top university.
- Company: UCL, London's Global University, committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on leadership and culture in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or Organisational Development with a focus on change management.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At UCL, we believe that people and culture are central to delivering world-leading education, research and innovation. As London’s Global University, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where our staff and students can thrive, and where collaboration, curiosity and ambition shape everything we do.
Human Resources at UCL is a dynamic, service-driven function supporting a diverse academic and professional services community across the institution. We work in partnership with faculties and divisions to deliver people solutions that enable organisational success, strengthen leadership capability and support meaningful, sustainable change. This role sits within a major strategic transformation programme focused on improving and aligning professional services across UCL. It is an exciting opportunity to influence institution-wide change, shape organisational development activity and help create a positive experience for colleagues across the university.
About the role: We are seeking an experienced and strategic HR/Organisational Development professional to join us as a Senior HR/OD Business Partner. Working at the centre of a significant transformation programme, you will play a key role in supporting organisational change, strengthening leadership capability and ensuring a consistent, high-quality people approach across multiple faculties and stakeholder groups. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, partnering with HR colleagues, programme teams and organisational development specialists to deliver complex people and change initiatives.
Alongside providing expert guidance on organisational design, workforce change and engagement, you will lead the development of learning and capability interventions that support leaders and managers through transformation. This is a highly collaborative role requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on delivery. You will work closely with stakeholders across UCL to embed effective ways of working, support matrix collaboration and ensure colleagues have the skills, confidence and behaviours needed to succeed in a changing environment.
The role offers the opportunity to contribute to a high-profile institutional programme while supporting leadership, management, and organisational development practice specifically within the context of this institutional transformation programme at one of the world’s leading universities. Please note, this is a 12-months fixed term contract offered on a hybrid working basis with a minimum of 2-days onsite (subject to change) at our London Kings Cross office.
About you: You will be an experienced HR Business Partner or Organisational Development professional with a strong track record of leading complex people and change initiatives within large, multifaceted organisations. You will bring expertise in organisational change, stakeholder engagement and leadership development, alongside the credibility and confidence to influence at senior level. Specifically, you will have experience in large organisational change programmes covering restructures and redundancies.
You will be skilled at building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and able to navigate ambiguity with sound judgement, resilience and a collaborative approach. You will also have experience of designing or delivering learning and development interventions that drive practical behavioural change and strengthen leadership capability. We are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with delivery focus — someone who can bring people together, challenge constructively and help create sustainable, inclusive change. A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and an ability to work effectively across matrix environments, will be essential to success in this role.
What we offer: As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits:
- 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On-site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Senior HR and Organisation Development Business Partner employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer that prioritises people and culture, fostering an inclusive environment where staff can thrive. With a commitment to professional development, UCL offers extensive benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for hybrid working. The collaborative work culture encourages innovation and supports meaningful change, making it an ideal place for HR professionals to influence organisational success at one of the world's leading universities.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR and Organisation Development Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL through LinkedIn or professional groups. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding UCL's mission and values. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their focus on organisational change.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our strategic thinking! During interviews, we can share specific examples of how we've led complex change initiatives in the past. This will demonstrate our ability to influence and drive transformation effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows we’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR and Organisation Development Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR and organisational development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to think strategically while also being hands-on. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex change initiatives, so share examples of how you've successfully managed similar situations.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, make sure to mention your experience in building trusted relationships. We love seeing how you’ve collaborated with others to drive positive change in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at UCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into UCL's mission and values. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past work in HR and organisational development, especially around leading complex change initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced senior leaders and navigated ambiguity in previous roles. This will highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on delivery skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build trusted relationships across diverse groups. Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you've successfully collaborated in matrix environments. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in driving organisational success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about UCL's current transformation programme or how they measure the success of their organisational development initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
