At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people development and enhance colleague experience at a vibrant university.
- Company: Join the University of Brighton, committed to equity and community growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusivity while enjoying excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff engagement and development in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in organisational development and a passion for enhancing employee experience.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic people leader to join us as Head of People Development & Experience, a pivotal leadership role within the People Department that will play a key part in delivering our ambitious Distinctively Brighton 2035 strategy. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for enterprise and equity, creating an environment where our people, students and communities can thrive.
This is a high-impact role where you will lead the University's people development and colleague experience agenda. Leading a small team and partnering with colleagues across the institution, you will drive initiatives that strengthen leadership and people management effectiveness, enhance staff engagement and wellbeing, develop talent and support a culture of accountability, achievement and continuous improvement.
We are looking for a collaborative and engaging leader with significant experience in organisational development, learning and development, culture change and employee experience within a complex organisation. You will have a strong track record of delivering strategic people initiatives, developing people managers and using data insights to drive measurable improvement. Experience of implementing or overseeing learning management systems, digital learning platforms, AI-enabled learning tools and initiatives that build workforce digital capability would be advantageous.
A degree, relevant professional qualification, or equivalent experience in organisational development, learning and development, or a related discipline is essential.
This is a 30 hours per week permanent position. In-person interviews will take place at the University of Brighton's Moulsecoomb campus on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for all staff regardless of age, disability, family or caring responsibilities, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief (including non-belief), sex and sexual orientation. We embrace equality and diversity in our working, learning, research and teaching environment and are committed to maintaining a supportive and inclusive community. We particularly encourage applicants from Minority Ethnic backgrounds because the University is under-represented by Minority Ethnic staff.
For the vast majority of our roles we operate an agile working system, with time split between working on campus and at the employee's home. It is the University's expectation that home working will take place within the UK.
Further information about working for us, as well as the wide range of benefits we offer, can be found in the working with us section of our vacancies page.
Head of People Development and Experience in Brighton employer: University of Brighton
The University of Brighton is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible remote hours for the Fire Safety Champion role, staff can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to a vital aspect of campus safety. Employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative environment that fosters growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Development and Experience in Brighton
✨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 University of Brighton!
✨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 University of Brighton.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Development and Experience in Brighton
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 University of Brighton. 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 University of Brighton 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 University of Brighton. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to University of Brighton'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 University of Brighton
✨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 University of Brighton.
✨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 University of Brighton 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 University of Brighton and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
