Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and enhance wellbeing across a diverse university community.
- Company: University of the West of Scotland, a socially driven institution with a global impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape culture, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming communities through education.
- Why this job: Join a top-ranked university focused on reducing inequalities and fostering inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in HR and organisational development within complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
University of the West of Scotland (UWS), a large, socially driven multi-campus institution with origins dating back to 1897, is seeking an exceptional Director of People & Wellbeing to provide strategic people leadership at a pivotal moment in the University's journey. With five campuses across Scotland and London, over 24,000 students drawn from more than 100 nationalities, a workforce of approximately 1,500 colleagues, and a bold Strategy 2030 focused on transforming communities through research and education, UWS is an anchor institution with real national and global reach.
The University is seeking a proven people leader to join the senior team of the Vice-Principal (People & Student Wellbeing) and take strategic ownership of its people, organisational development, and wellbeing agenda. Reporting to the Vice-Principal and acting as a trusted adviser to the Vice-Chancellor's Executive, you will set the strategic direction for the People & Wellbeing Strategy, drive organisational transformation, champion employee voice and constructive partnership with recognised trade unions, and embed a culture of inclusivity, belonging, and high performance across the institution.
You will lead a professional community of approximately 80 colleagues spanning People Services, Organisational Development, Leadership Development, Employee Relations, Reward and Wellbeing. We are seeking an experienced leader with a proven track record of senior HR and organisational development leadership in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. You will bring the strategic acumen to shape large-scale approaches to culture, workforce capability, and wellbeing, alongside the personal leadership qualities to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
As comfortable advising Court committees and navigating complex employee relations as you are partnering with academic and professional colleagues across five campuses, you will bring the authority, empathy, and collegiate instinct that this role demands. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a University ranked 2nd in Scotland and 26th in the world for reducing inequalities, and recognised as Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion.
If you are ready to bring people leadership with genuine social purpose and to play a central role in an institution that exists to make a difference, we would very much like to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is 09:00 am BST on Monday 1st June 2026.
Director of People and Wellbeing in Paisley employer: University of the West of Scotland
Contact Detail:
University of the West of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People and Wellbeing in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work at UWS or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UWS's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with their Strategy 2030 and how you can contribute to their mission of transforming communities through education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for people leadership and wellbeing. We want to hear how you plan to inspire high-performing teams and foster inclusivity across the campuses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Wellbeing in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of People and Wellbeing role. Highlight your experience in HR and organisational development, and show how your values align with UWS's mission to transform communities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've inspired teams and driven change in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic acumen and personal qualities that make you a great fit for this position.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you tick. Share your passion for people leadership and social purpose, and how you can contribute to UWS's inclusive culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application via our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the West of Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of the West of Scotland's mission and values. Understand their Strategy 2030 and how it aligns with your vision for people and wellbeing. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to inspire high performance and foster inclusivity, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to employee relations or organisational development. Think through potential scenarios and outline your strategic thinking process, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Empathy
During the interview, show your understanding of the diverse workforce and student body at UWS. Discuss how you would champion employee voice and build constructive partnerships, emphasising your commitment to wellbeing and inclusivity.