At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: This permanent role offers a competitive salary of £100,000 with a 35-hour work week.
- 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.
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 in London employer: University of West London
The University of West London is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Disability-Confident employer, we foster a culture of diversity and provide ample opportunities for apprentices to gain valuable experience while pursuing their degree. Located in a vibrant city, our institution not only values effective communication and customer care but also encourages a collaborative atmosphere where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of HR and Organisational Development in London
✨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 West London!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 West London.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of HR and Organisational Development in London
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 West London. 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 West London 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 West London. 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 West London'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 West London
✨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 West London.
✨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 West London 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 West London and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
