At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and transformation at UKRI, shaping the future of people management.
- Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a leader in advancing knowledge and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational change and workforce development.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and strategic thinking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 94931 - 94931 £ per year.
This is a permanent, open-ended position.
Remuneration: £94,931 per annum. Salary for internal candidates will be subject to UKRI pay and reward policy.
Location: Swindon or Oxford (Didcot) based. Regular travel to London and occasional travel to UK wide UKRI locations will be required.
Hours: Full Time (37 hours). Hybrid working with two-three days a week on average at a UKRI site is available.
Closing date: Monday 10th August 2026 at 23:55
About UKRI
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is an independent, non-departmental public body, which invests £8bn per annum in research and innovation. We bring together nine executive council partners (the seven Research Councils, plus Innovate UK, and Research England) with a shared mission: to advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth. We employ over 8,500 staff who support some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects. We develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world and work collaboratively with industry, academia and government in exciting partnerships. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through blue skies research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research and business-led innovation.
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional senior HR leader to join UKRI as Deputy Chief People Officer. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this role will play a pivotal part in leading the HR function, delivering our new People Strategy and supporting the organisation through an ambitious programme of organisational transformation.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Deputy Chief People Officer will provide strategic leadership across the full people agenda, acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and leading on complex organisational and workforce matters. The postholder will deputise for the Chief People Officer as required, representing the function at Executive Committee and other senior governance forums, leading UKRI's engagement with our recognised trade unions and playing a key role in shaping organisational strategy and major transformation programmes.
The role has strategic accountability for the HR Business Partnering function across UKRI, ensuring it enables organisational performance and delivers high-quality, commercially focused people solutions. A key priority will be to strengthen partnership working between the HR Business Partnering function and our specialist Centres of Expertise, creating an integrated, collaborative and customer-focused HR operating model that delivers seamless support to leaders across UKRI.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership across the full people agenda and act as Deputy Chief People Officer, exercising delegated authority and deputising for the Chief People Officer as required.
- Support the Chief People Officer in setting the strategic direction, priorities, performance and reputation of the HR function, acting as a visible executive leader across UKRI.
- Be an active member of the HR Senior Leadership Team, shaping and delivering UKRI's People Strategy and Delivery Plan and wider workforce priorities.
- Lead the continued transformation of the HR function, embedding a modern, integrated and customer-focused operating model that strengthens collaboration across the HR Business Partnering function and Centres of Expertise and delivers high-quality, strategically aligned people services.
- Serve as a full member of the People and Workforce Planning Committee and the Joint Negotiating and Consultative Committee. Deputise for the Chief People Officer at Executive Committee and other executive-level governance forums and committees, including the above, as required, representing the organisation on strategic people, workforce and organisational matters.
- Provide strategic leadership for the HR Business Partnering function, ensuring it delivers high-quality, commercially focused support that enables organisational performance and successful delivery of UKRI's strategic priorities.
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team of HR Business Partners, building capability in strategic workforce planning, change leadership and strategic business partnering.
- Ensure the effective delivery of UKRI's People Strategy and Delivery Plan through strong partnerships with business leaders, translating organisational priorities into local people strategies, workforce plans and change initiatives.
- Working closely with the Deputy Director for Talent Management, strengthen strategic workforce planning capability across UKRI, ensuring workforce decisions are informed by robust evidence, future skills requirements and organisational priorities.
- Assess and develop the capability, capacity and effectiveness of the HR Business Partnering function to meet current and future organisational needs.
- Foster strong partnership working between the HR Business Partnering function and the Centres of Expertise, embedding an integrated 'One HR' approach that delivers consistent, customer-focused and evidence-based people solutions.
- Provide organisation-wide leadership on organisational development, organisational design and the people aspects of transformation, ensuring UKRI has the capability, structures and culture required to deliver its strategic ambitions.
- Lead the people elements of major organisational change and transformation programmes, providing expert advice on organisation design, workforce transition, change management and implementation planning.
- Shape long-term organisational capability and workforce strategies, ensuring organisational design, leadership and workforce planning are aligned to future business requirements.
- Work with programme leaders, the Programme Management Office and senior stakeholders to ensure people implications are fully considered within business cases, programme design and transformation delivery.
- Champion evidence-based approaches to organisational effectiveness, leadership and culture, embedding best practice across UKRI.
- Lead UKRI's strategic engagement with recognised Trade Unions, working closely with Deputy HR Directors and their teams to build constructive relationships that support organisational change and positive employee relations.
- Chair the Trade Union Change Sub-Committee and serve as a full member of the Joint Negotiating and Consultative Committee, deputising for the Chief People Officer as required.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex, high-risk and sensitive employee relations matters, working closely with the Deputy Director for HR Delivery as appropriate.
- Ensure effective governance, assurance, risk management and compliance across the HR Business Partnering function and contribute to organisation-wide people governance.
- Represent UKRI internally and externally, influencing policy, sharing best practice and building effective relationships across government and the wider HR profession.
- Champion UKRI's values, equality, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and leadership expectations, acting as a visible role model for the organisation.
Your Skills and Experience
Candidates will be assessed against the following essential criteria throughout the recruitment process:
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent senior professional experience, and Chartered Member (MCIPD) or Fellow (FCIPD) of the CIPD, or able to demonstrate an equivalent level of professional expertise.
- Experience: Proven senior HR leadership experience within a large, complex, matrixed and regulated organisation, leading organisation-wide people strategy across multiple business areas and diverse stakeholder groups, with strategic accountability across the full HR agenda, including HR Business Partnering, to deliver organisational objectives and performance.
- Leadership, Knowledge and Personal Attributes: Outstanding strategic HR leadership capability, with the credibility, presence and judgement to influence Executive Committees, Boards and senior stakeholders. Excellent commercial, financial and organisational awareness, using workforce insight, data and evidence to inform strategic decision making, balance organisational priorities and manage organisational risk. Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to provide constructive challenge, negotiate effectively and build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
Please note: This is an abbreviated list of the role requirements and criteria.
Deputy Chief People Officer in Salisbury employer: UK Research and Innovation
UK Research and Innovation is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and integrity. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking environmental research, all while working in a supportive environment that prioritises safety and compliance in aviation operations.
Contact Details:
UK Research and Innovation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief People Officer in Salisbury
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at UK Research and Innovation!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at UK Research and Innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief People Officer in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at UK Research and Innovation. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to UK Research and Innovation and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at UK Research and Innovation. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to UK Research and Innovation's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with UK Research and Innovation.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at UK Research and Innovation will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact UK Research and Innovation and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
