HRBP Director (Oxford Research Site)
HRBP Director (Oxford Research Site)

HRBP Director (Oxford Research Site)

Oxford Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives to support scientific growth and organisational effectiveness.
  • Company: Join Vertex, a global biotech leader committed to scientific innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, competitive salary, and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact at the intersection of science and people in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years of HR experience with expertise in workforce planning and talent management.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We’re seeking a strategic and hands-on HR Business Partner Director to support the Oxford Research Site during a dynamic period of scientific growth, portfolio advancement, and organizational evolution. As the site continues to scale its research capabilities and deepen its impact across the research portfolio, this role will play a critical part in shaping the people strategy, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and enabling leaders through change and complexity. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact at the intersection of science and people, partnering with a highly collaborative, purpose-driven research organization to help advance transformative science for patients. This role reports into the Lead HR Business Partner for the Research organization and serves as a trusted advisor to senior Oxford-based research leaders and their leadership teams.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides strategic HR leadership and expert guidance to assigned Oxford Research client groups, along with consultation and delivery of HR programs and services to support key research and site objectives.
  • Leverages complex data and people analytics to generate insights into organizational health, talent trends, and capability needs that inform research and HR priorities. Translates insights into clear, practical, and compelling perspectives that challenge current thinking, inform decision-making, and demonstrate impact on scientific outcomes and organizational performance. Builds alignment and influences action.
  • Proactively defines, builds, and implements value-added HR strategies and solutions that support site strategy, scientific priorities, and long-term organizational sustainability.
  • Advises senior research leaders on complex matters related to organizational design, workforce evolution, culture, and change leadership in a fast-paced scientific environment.
  • Establishes strategies and tactics to attract, develop, and retain high-impact scientific and operational talent across all levels to support current and future research needs.
  • Leads strategic workforce planning efforts for the Oxford Research Site, ensuring alignment between talent strategy and long-range research and capability plans, including critical skill identification, talent acquisition, and succession planning.
  • Builds strong, outcome-driven partnerships with HR Centers of Excellence including Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, People Experience, Talent Management, and Strategic Analytics to deliver integrated HR solutions and deploy enterprise programs that enhance the employee experience and research effectiveness.
  • Partners with site and functional leaders to implement and manage core HR processes such as performance management, talent reviews, calibration, and compensation planning.
  • Works closely with Talent Acquisition to ensure hiring strategies are aligned to near- and long-term research capability needs, with a focused emphasis on critical and leadership roles.

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Comfortable partnering with and influencing senior scientific and operational leaders across multiple research disciplines.
  • Deep expertise in strategic workforce planning and capability development within complex, research-driven organizations.
  • Extensive experience in talent management, succession planning, and career development for highly specialized and senior populations.
  • Strong track record leading culture, change management, and organizational effectiveness initiatives in dynamic, matrixed environments.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related, relevant discipline.
  • Typically requires 10+ years of progressive HR experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information: Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.

HRBP Director (Oxford Research Site) employer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Oxford Research Site where innovation meets purpose. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside flexible working options to support work-life balance. With a commitment to advancing transformative science, team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying comprehensive HR support and strategic workforce planning tailored to their career aspirations.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Contact Detail:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HRBP Director (Oxford Research Site)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Oxford Research Site on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role there. Personal connections can make a huge difference!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in HR and how they apply to scientific environments. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage data and analytics to drive HR strategies that align with the site’s goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your strategic thinking! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully implemented HR initiatives that supported organisational change and culture. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and partner with senior leaders.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Vertex.

We think you need these skills to ace HRBP Director (Oxford Research Site)

Strategic HR Leadership
People Analytics
Organizational Design
Workforce Planning
Talent Management
Succession Planning
Change Management
Organizational Effectiveness
Collaboration
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Employee Experience Enhancement
Performance Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HRBP Director role. Highlight your strategic HR leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission at the Oxford Research Site.

Showcase Your Data Skills: We love data! Include examples of how you've used people analytics to drive decisions in previous roles. This will show us you can leverage insights to enhance organisational effectiveness.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build strong partnerships, so don’t hesitate to share your unique approach to collaboration and change management.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Vertex Pharmaceuticals

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values, especially how they relate to scientific innovation. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and research advancements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.

✨Data-Driven Insights

Since this role involves leveraging data and people analytics, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past where you've used data to inform HR strategies. Think about how you can translate complex insights into actionable plans that have positively impacted organisational performance.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

This position requires a strategic mindset, so come ready to discuss how you've previously defined and implemented HR strategies in fast-paced environments. Be specific about the challenges you faced and how your solutions contributed to workforce evolution and culture change.

✨Build Rapport with Leaders

As you'll be partnering with senior leaders, practice how to establish rapport quickly. Prepare questions that demonstrate your understanding of their challenges and how you can support them. This will help you position yourself as a trusted advisor right from the start.

HRBP Director (Oxford Research Site)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Location: Oxford

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