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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic HR team and shape the future workforce at UWL.
- Company: UWL is a rapidly rising university focused on lifelong learning and impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, gym access, and professional development study leave.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community that values diversity and innovation in education.
- Qualifications: Extensive strategic HR leadership experience in large, complex organisations is essential.
- Other info: This permanent role offers a competitive salary of £100,000 with a 35-hour work week.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Director of HR and Organisational Development
Join to apply for the Director of HR and Organisational Development role at University of West London
Director of HR and Organisational Development
Join to apply for the Director of HR and Organisational Development role at University of West London
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University of West London provided pay range
This range is provided by University of West London. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
The University of West London (UWL) is one of the UK’s fastest-rising universities, driven by a bold strategic plan, Impact 2028, which champions lifelong learning, impactful research, inclusion, sustainability, and digital innovation. As a values-led institution, we are proud of our sector-leading student satisfaction, widening participation, and transformative outcomes. Our staff are central to this success – creating an environment where students thrive and futures are shaped.
To help realise our ambitions, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of HR and Organisational Development to lead our people function and shape the future of our workforce.
The Role
This is a senior leadership position reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (People and Digital) and sitting on the Senior Management Group. You will lead a high-performing HR team and be responsible for delivering our People Strategy, aligned with Impact 2028. Your work will directly influence the staff experience, which in turn shapes the student journey and contributes to our reputation for excellence.
You will:
- Lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary HR team across HR Operations, Business Partnering (including Employee Relations), Systems & Data and Learning & OD
- Drive organisational development and cultural transformation, fostering a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led environment.
- Collaborate with senior leaders to embed a culture of wellbeing, belonging, and leadership excellence.
- Represent UWL nationally on HR matters including pay and pensions and maintain strong relationships with Trade Unions and external HR networks.
- Champion data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement across all HR functions.
About You
You will be a confident, visible, and collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment. You will bring:
- Extensive experience in strategic HR leadership within a large, complex, and ideally unionised organisation.
- Proven ability to design and implement talent strategies that support long-term organisational goals and enhance leadership and workforce capability.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to diagnose cultural challenges and influence senior stakeholders with data-driven insights.
- Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with a track record of leading diverse teams and delivering change in dynamic environments.
- A deep commitment to values-led leadership, with a passion for creating inclusive, high-performing cultures that reflect UWL’s mission and make a lasting impact on both staff and students.
- Sector knowledge of Higher Education is highly desirable, along with a proactive, can-do attitude and a strong focus on getting things done and driving progress.
This is a permanent position paying £100,000. The role is 35 hours a week with high onsite presence. UWL offers a range of benefits including a generous pension scheme, access to on-site gym facilities and study leave for professional development.
Joining UWL means becoming part of a vibrant, inclusive community that’s shaping the future of education. You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues in a university that celebrates diversity, champions innovation, and puts people at the heart of everything it does. If you’re ready to help us build a workforce that empowers every student to succeed, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
UWL is working in partnership with Hays HR to identify the right person for this role. To apply, please visit our dedicated recruitment site at Welcome | University of West London and upload your CV, Closing date for applications: Monday 15th September, 23:55
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Education
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Industries
Education and Higher Education
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Director of HR and Organisational Development employer: University of West London
Contact Detail:
University of West London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of HR and Organisational Development
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UWL's strategic plan, Impact 2028. Understanding their goals and values will help you align your vision for HR and organisational development with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of UWL to gain insights into the organisational culture and challenges they face. This knowledge can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led HR initiatives in complex environments. Highlight your experience with unionised organisations and how you've navigated those relationships effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to present data-driven insights from your previous roles. Discuss how these insights have influenced decision-making and improved organisational performance, as this aligns with UWL's emphasis on data-driven strategies.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of HR and Organisational Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of HR and Organisational Development position at UWL. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight your extensive experience in strategic HR leadership, particularly within large and complex organisations. Emphasise your achievements in driving organisational development and cultural transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for values-led leadership and your commitment to creating inclusive, high-performing cultures. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the requirements outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, as well as your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of West London
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with UWL's strategic plan, Impact 2028. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of lifelong learning, inclusion, and digital innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for a senior leadership role, be ready to articulate your leadership philosophy. Share examples of how you've inspired teams and driven cultural transformation in previous roles.
✨Prepare Data-Driven Insights
Given the emphasis on data-driven decision-making, come equipped with examples of how you've used analytics to influence HR strategies. Highlight any successful initiatives that improved staff experience or organisational performance.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Expect questions about your experience with stakeholder engagement, especially in unionised environments. Prepare to discuss how you've built strong relationships with diverse teams and external partners.
