At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and foster a culture of inclusivity and high performance.
- Company: Join the University of the West of Scotland, a socially driven institution with global impact.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Collaborate across five campuses and inspire a community of 1,500 colleagues.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a top-ranked university focused on reducing inequalities and enhancing wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior HR leadership and organisational development in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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.
Head of Inclusion and People Experience 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 that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration among its 1,500 colleagues. As part of a forward-thinking institution ranked highly for social inclusion, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives and shape the future of a university dedicated to making a difference.
Contact Detail:
University of the West of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Inclusion and People Experience in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UWS on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UWS's Strategy 2030. Understand their goals and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven organisational change and fostered inclusivity in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can truly make an impact.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Inclusion and People Experience in Paisley
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 Head of Inclusion and People Experience role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and how it relates to UWS's mission and values.
Showcase Your People Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've championed inclusivity and employee wellbeing in previous roles, as this is key for the position at UWS.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. UWS values a culture of belonging, so don’t hesitate to share your personal leadership philosophy and how it aligns with their vision for transformation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the West of Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into UWS's mission and values. Understand their Strategy 2030 and how it aligns with your vision for inclusion 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. Share specific examples of how you've championed inclusivity and employee voice in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle real-life situations, especially around employee relations and organisational development. Think of scenarios where you've navigated challenges and turned them into opportunities for growth.
✨Engage with Empathy
Demonstrate your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've built constructive partnerships with trade unions and academic colleagues, showcasing your empathy and collaborative spirit.
