At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and foster a culture of inclusivity and high performance.
- Company: University of the West of Scotland, a socially driven institution with a global impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of education and wellbeing in a diverse environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming communities through education.
- Why this job: Join a top-ranked university and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior HR and organisational development leadership.
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.
Director of People & Inclusion in Paisley employer: University of the West of Scotland
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity, employee wellbeing, and professional growth within a vibrant multi-campus environment. With a commitment to transforming communities through education and research, UWS offers a supportive work culture where strategic leaders can thrive, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact on a diverse workforce of approximately 1,500 colleagues. Join us in shaping the future of a university recognised for its dedication to social inclusion and reducing inequalities.
Contact Detail:
University of the West of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Inclusion in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those at UWS or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UWS's current initiatives and challenges. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about our mission to transform communities through education and research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! We want to hear about your past experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to people leadership. Make it relatable and engaging – we love a good story!
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at UWS.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Inclusion in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of People & Inclusion role. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership and organisational development, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at UWS!
Showcase Your People Skills:This role is all about people, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've championed inclusivity and employee wellbeing in your previous positions. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop high-performing teams, so let that shine through!
Be Authentic:When writing your application, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are as a leader. Share your personal leadership qualities and how they’ve helped you navigate complex environments. It’s all about finding the right fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the West of Scotland
✨Know the University Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the University of the West of Scotland's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their Strategy 2030 and how it aligns with people and wellbeing will show your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire high performance and foster inclusivity, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to navigate hypothetical situations related to employee relations or organisational development. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Empathy
During the interview, convey your understanding of the diverse workforce and student body at UWS. Highlight your experience in championing employee voice and building constructive partnerships, as this will resonate well with their focus on inclusivity and belonging.
