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: Be part of a dynamic team driving change in a complex environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational culture and workforce development.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and a passion for people strategy.
The predicted salary is between 94931 - 94931 £ per year.
This is a permanent, open-ended position.
Remuneration: £94,931 per annum.
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.
Security Level: The successful candidate must hold, or be willing to undergo, the relevant security clearance. UKRI reserves the right to initiate or repeat security screening as required during the course of employment.
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.
Our Values: We have four new organisational values that set out who we are, what we stand for and how we work together every day. They unite us as one organisation.
- Spark curiosity – Together we’re guided by curiosity, creativity and collaboration. We work as one team to explore new approaches, take calculated risks and share what we learn.
- Play our part – We take ownership of our work as individuals. We act with integrity and do what we say we’ll do. And whatever our role, we know our contribution matters.
- Lift people up – We listen to, respect and take care of each other. We value our differences and communicate with clarity and kindness, so everyone can thrive.
- Make it count – We put our energy where it can have the biggest impact. We’re bold and decisive. We always focus on making a difference to people’s lives and livelihoods.
Delivering Our People Strategy: Our People Strategy is central to delivering UKRI’s mission. It sets out how we will build a high‑performing, inclusive and engaged organisation with the skills, leadership and culture needed to deliver for the UK research and innovation system, now and in the future. We are transforming how we attract, develop and support our people in response to a rapidly changing environment, including evolving skills requirements, advances in digital technology and increasing expectations of modern public service organisations. Through strategic workforce planning, leadership development, organisational effectiveness and a strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing, we are creating a more agile, capable and resilient organisation. Our ambition is to ensure that the right skills and capabilities are in the right place at the right time, enabling UKRI to respond to changing priorities while continuing to deliver excellence for researchers, innovators and the public.
The Deputy Chief People Officer will play a pivotal role in delivering this ambition. Working closely with the Chief People Officer and senior leaders across UKRI, the postholder will help shape the future organisation, lead significant transformation programmes and ensure our people services and professional expertise enable UKRI to achieve its strategic goals.
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, act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders and lead 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- UKRI HR Leadership - 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.
- Strategic HR Business Partnering - 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.
- Organisation Development, Design and Change - 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.
- Trade Union Relations - 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.
- Governance, Risk and Corporate Leadership - Ensure effective governance, assurance, risk management and compliance across the HR Business Partnering function and contribute to organisation‑wide people governance.
Your Skills and Experience: This role requires an accomplished senior HR leader with broad experience across the HR profession. The successful candidate will provide organisation‑wide leadership across the people agenda, shape the future direction of the HR function and work in close partnership with the Deputy Directors of HR leading the Centres of Expertise to deliver an integrated, high‑performing HR function. The successful candidate will be an experienced, collaborative and authentic leader who thrives in a complex environment and enjoys working as part of a high‑performing, close‑knit leadership team with a shared commitment to delivering significant organisational transformation.
Essential Criteria:
- 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.
Timescales and Selection: The selection process will include an interview and a presentation, along with additional fireside discussions. Candidates may also be asked to complete psychometric testing as part of the assessment. Interviews will take place in London.
How to Apply: Your application should be submitted in two parts. Both parts must be submitted by 23:55 on Monday 10th August 2026 in order for your application to be considered complete.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief People Officer in Swindon
✨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 UKRI!
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief People Officer in Swindon
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 UKRI. 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 UKRI 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 UKRI. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to UKRI'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 UKRI
✨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 UKRI.
✨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 UKRI 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 UKRI and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
