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- Tasks: Lead transformative people and culture initiatives at a growing university.
- Company: The University of Cumbria, committed to regional impact and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future.
- Other info: Encouraging diverse applications to enhance our community and values.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on people and culture in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Executive-level experience in organisational transformation and a collaborative leadership style.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
The University of Cumbria is seeking an outstanding Chief People Officer to lead our long‑term people, culture and workforce transformation agenda. This is a senior executive role at the heart of a university that is ambitious, growing and deeply rooted in its regional mission.
As a member of our senior executive team, reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor, you will provide strategic leadership across People & Culture, shaping organisational capability, digital confidence, workforce intelligence and employee experience. You will lead the development of a future‑focused workforce strategy, champion digital enablement, and embed a values‑led, psychologically safe and high‑performing culture.
You will play a pivotal role in enabling the University to deliver its refreshed Towards 2030 strategy, supporting our place‑based mission and values, including major developments such as our new Barrow campus, as well as the complexities of a dispersed multi‑campus University. This is not a traditional Higher Education context.
Qualifications
- Significant executive‑level experience of organisational and cultural transformation, with the judgement to balance values, compassion, pace, risk and sustainability.
- The skills and insight to lead the adoption of digital enablement across the organisation.
- A values‑driven, collaborative leadership style.
- The ability to inspire, mobilise and develop people through change.
If you are motivated by purpose, partnership and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on people and place, we welcome your application. We encourage applications from the broadest range of society, including all under‑represented groups with particular emphasis on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under‑represented in our University and in comparison to the sector.
Chief People Officer in Carlisle employer: University of Cumbria
Contact Detail:
University of Cumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know the University of Cumbria. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for people and culture! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, share your vision for transforming workplace culture. Make it clear how your values align with theirs and how you can help them achieve their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the university's current initiatives and challenges. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience in organisational transformation can directly address their needs, especially with the new Barrow campus on the horizon.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief People Officer role. Highlight your executive-level experience in organisational transformation and how it relates to the university's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your values-driven, collaborative leadership style shine through. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've inspired and mobilised teams through change, especially in complex environments.
Emphasise Digital Enablement: Since digital confidence is key for this role, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in leading digital transformation initiatives. Share specific outcomes that showcase your ability to drive digital enablement across an organisation.
Be Authentic and Purpose-Driven: Let your passion for making a lasting impact on people and place come through in your application. We value authenticity, so don’t hesitate to share your motivations and how they align with our mission at the University of Cumbria.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cumbria
✨Know the University’s Mission
Before your interview, dive deep into the University of Cumbria's mission and values. Understand how they align with your own leadership style and experiences. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their ambitious goals and cultural transformation.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led organisational and cultural transformations. Highlight your judgement in balancing values, compassion, and risk, as these are crucial for the Chief People Officer role.
✨Emphasise Digital Enablement
Since digital confidence is a key focus, be ready to discuss your experience with digital tools and strategies. Share how you've championed digital enablement in previous positions and how you plan to implement it at the University.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Your leadership style should resonate with their values-driven approach. Prepare to discuss how you've inspired and mobilised teams through change, fostering a psychologically safe environment that encourages high performance.