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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations, shaping culture for a prestigious institution.
- Company: Join a historic college in Cambridge with a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Generous pension, enhanced leave, healthcare plan, free meals, and fitness access.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee engagement and organisational development.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualified with strong HR leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and qualified HR professional to join one of Cambridge's most prestigious and historic institutions as Interim Head of HR. Initially offered as a 6-month fixed-term contract, with strong potential to become a permanent appointment subject to mutual fit and organisational approval.
Working closely with the Senior Bursar and senior stakeholders across the College, this role offers the chance to shape people strategy, influence organisational culture and lead a modern, high-quality HR function within a complex and intellectually stimulating environment. Leading a small HR team, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the full employee lifecycle, supporting approximately 300 staff and Academic Fellows. This role would suit a credible and collaborative HR leader who enjoys balancing hands-on delivery with longer-term organisational development initiatives.
What's on offer:
- Generous pension scheme
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement
- Healthcare cash plan
- Part time (4 days a week) considered or compressed hours
- Free meals whilst on site
- Free car parking available (10 minute walk)
- Access to on-site fitness facilities
- Cycle-to-work
- Nursery salary sacrifice schemes
About the role:
- Working in partnership with the Senior Bursar to develop the people strategy, including EVP and any other organisational development activities
- Management and development of the HR team
- Being the subject matter expert on all areas of employee relations, employment legislation and policy development
- Taking the lead on the annual reward cycle and liaising with payroll to effect changes
- Key priorities will include shaping the College's response to employee engagement feedback, embedding upcoming employment legislation changes and supporting HR system development
About you:
You will be an experienced HR leader with strong generalist expertise and a confident, credible approach to stakeholder management. CIPD Level 7 qualified (or working towards), you will bring excellent employment law knowledge alongside the ability to build trusted relationships across a complex organisation. You will be equally comfortable operating strategically and rolling up your sleeves operationally, with experience leading teams, managing change and driving people-focused initiatives that enhance engagement, culture and organisational effectiveness. Experience within higher education, professional services, not-for-profit or similarly complex stakeholder-led environments would be advantageous.
If you are available at short notice and this role sounds of interest to you, please do not hesitate to get in touch for an informal conversation.
Head of HR in Cambridge employer: Waddington Brown
Contact Detail:
Waddington Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HR in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who have experience in higher education or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine as the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HR in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of HR role. Highlight your strategic leadership in HR and any relevant experience in higher education or complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for shaping people strategy and how your previous roles have prepared you for this opportunity.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Include specific examples of how you've driven engagement, managed change, or improved HR functions in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waddington Brown
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest employment legislation and HR best practices. Being well-versed in these areas will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed change in previous roles. Highlighting your collaborative approach and ability to build trusted relationships will resonate well with the interviewers, especially since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders.
✨Understand the Institution's Culture
Research the college’s history, values, and current challenges. Tailoring your responses to reflect an understanding of their unique environment will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their organisational culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations you might face in this role. Think through potential scenarios related to employee engagement, policy development, or handling complex employee relations issues, and prepare your responses to showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.