At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to enhance colleague experiences and drive cultural transformation.
- Company: Join the University of the West of Scotland, a dynamic and innovative institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a top-ranked university with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's careers and wellbeing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in organisational development and a passion for creating inclusive workplaces.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 67468 £ per year.
This role may be eligible for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If requiring visa sponsorship, the successful applicant will also need to meet a range of individual criteria to satisfy Home Office requirements. Applicants are encouraged to individually assess whether they may be eligible for visa sponsorship prior to applying.
The People Experience Manager is dedicated to shaping how our colleagues feel, grow and thrive throughout their journey with us at the University. Leading a diverse team across Organisational Development, Learning, Talent, Wellbeing and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), the role creates an environment where every colleague can succeed. Its impact goes beyond programmes and frameworks; it is about cultivating a culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to build meaningful and impactful careers.
Working in close partnership with leaders and stakeholders is essential to designing and delivering people strategies that elevate the colleague experience and, in turn, enrich the student experience. Equally important is providing expert advice, coaching senior leaders, and building strong external partnerships as a trusted advisor and advocate for positive cultural change. By championing the embedding of our University Values across every stage of the employee lifecycle, the People Experience Manager will ensure that they are not only understood but lived in everyday behaviours and decisions.
The Opportunity
As People Experience Manager, you will lead the design and delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of organisational development offerings that inspire growth, strengthen leadership capability and drive cultural transformation across the University. Collaborating as part of the wider People & Wellbeing Directorate, you will ensure a consistently high quality, values led service.
In this role, you will:
- Shape and deliver forward thinking leadership and management development programmes that build future capability.
- Provide expert guidance on organisational development and cultural change, tailoring solutions to meet evolving needs.
- Partner with senior leaders to co-create bespoke interventions that enhance performance, engagement and inclusion.
- Drive the development and implementation of EDI and wellbeing strategies that foster an inclusive and supportive workplace.
- Embed the University’s values across the employee lifecycle, ensuring they are reflected in behaviours, policies and practice.
- Lead engagement initiatives, including colleague surveys, using insight to inform continuous improvement.
- Coach and support senior leaders to strengthen leadership impact and effectiveness.
- Develop and manage strategic external partnerships that enhance delivery and innovation.
- Champion excellence in talent management, performance development and career progression.
Ultimately, this role is about creating meaningful, lasting impact, shaping a people experience that enables colleagues to succeed, and in doing so, supporting the University’s wider mission and ambitions.
What you will bring to the role
You are a credible and inspiring people leader, bringing both strategic insight and a deep commitment to creating exceptional colleague experiences. With a strong foundation in people, organisational development or business disciplines, you combine expertise with a passion for driving meaningful change in complex environments. Your career reflects substantial experience in leading organisational development, people experience, or cultural transformation initiatives and as such shaping environments where individuals and teams can truly thrive.
You are comfortable operating at pace and scale, navigating complexity with confidence and clarity. You can demonstrate a proven ability to build, develop and inspire multidisciplinary teams and to foster high levels of engagement, performance and collaboration. You bring a track record of designing and delivering impactful leadership, talent and development programmes that are closely aligned to organisational strategy and future workforce needs.
You operate with credibility and influence at a senior level, confidently partnering with and advising senior stakeholders. Through your ability to build trusted relationships, you help shape strategic direction and ensure people-focused solutions are at the heart of decision-making. You will bring demonstrable experience in advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and/or Wellbeing at an organisational level, translating ambition into practical initiatives that create a more inclusive, supportive and high-performing culture.
Underpinning all of this is a relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in HR, Organisational Development, Business Management or a related field, alongside a genuine passion for enabling people and organisations to succeed.
ABOUT US
The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.
With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings).
Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.
We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:
- 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays.
- An additional days leave on your birthday.
- Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme).
- A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance.
- Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers.
- Fitness facilities across our campuses.
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Professional, career and research development opportunities.
Closing Date: Sunday 21st of June 2026
Interview Date: Monday 6th July 2026
Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided). The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.
You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk.
UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant. UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups. UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer. University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.
Learning and Development Manager in Paisley employer: University of the West of Scotland
The University of the West of Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises colleague wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive through tailored development programmes and a flexible approach to work-life balance. Located in Paisley, our vibrant campus fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
Contact Details:
University of the West of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning and Development Manager in Paisley
✨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 the West of Scotland!
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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 the West of Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning and Development Manager in Paisley
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 the West of Scotland. 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 the West of Scotland 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 the West of Scotland. 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 the West of Scotland'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 the West of Scotland
✨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 the West of Scotland.
✨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 the West of Scotland 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 the West of Scotland and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
