At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a modern People strategy to enhance organisational capability.
- Company: Join the Wellcome Sanger Institute, dedicated to improving human health through science.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, wellbeing programmes, and a supportive culture focused on diversity.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of science and employee experience.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in HR within complex organisations and strong strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life‑changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
As we continue to evolve the Institute we are seeking a Human Resources Director to lead the next phase of our People strategy, partnering with the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Senior Leadership Team and Wellcome to ensure our people strategy enables the Institute to deliver its ambitious scientific mission.
This is a strategic leadership role responsible for creating a modern, insight‑led People function that develops organisational capability, enables leaders to succeed and delivers an outstanding employee experience. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will influence organisational direction, workforce planning, culture and leadership across the Institute while ensuring alignment with Wellcome where appropriate.
About The Role
- Lead the development and delivery of the Institute's People Strategy.
- Act as a trusted strategic adviser to the Executive Senior Leadership Team on workforce, organisational effectiveness and culture.
- Lead and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary People function.
- Shape workforce planning, organisational capability and succession strategies that support future scientific priorities.
- Drive organisational culture, leadership capability and employee experience.
- Use data, evidence and insight to inform strategic decision making and organisational performance.
About You
- Successfully led a People function within a complex organisation.
- Experience partnering with executive leadership teams to shape organisational strategy.
- A track record of leading organisational change and transformation.
- Strong expertise in workforce planning, organisational development and talent strategy.
- Outstanding leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery and evidence-based decision making.
Full Job Description Can Be Found Here.
Closing date for applications 9th August
Expected Recruitment Process
The Selection Process Is Expected To Comprise Three Stages
- Leadership Panel Interview
- Interview with Chief Operating Officer
- Interview with Senior Institute Leaders
Following a successful appointment, the successful candidate will be invited to meet members of the Institute's Non-Executive Directors as part of their onboarding and introduction to the organisation. This is an introductory meeting and does not form part of the selection process.
Hybrid Working At Wellcome Sanger
We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.
Equality, Diversity And Inclusion
We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks: LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability, Gender Equity and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.
We believe people do their best work when they can be their authentic selves. That's why we're committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits
We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.
Human Resources Director employer: Wellcome Sanger Institute
At Open Targets, we are dedicated to improving human health through innovative science, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about genetics and genomics. Our collaborative work culture fosters inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that every employee can thrive while contributing to life-changing research. With a hybrid working arrangement at the Wellcome Sanger campus, we offer competitive salaries, a strong focus on employee wellbeing, and ample opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director
✨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 Wellcome Sanger Institute!
✨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 Wellcome Sanger Institute.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director
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 Wellcome Sanger Institute. 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 Wellcome Sanger Institute 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 Wellcome Sanger Institute. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Wellcome Sanger Institute'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 Wellcome Sanger Institute
✨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 Wellcome Sanger Institute.
✨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 Wellcome Sanger Institute 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 Wellcome Sanger Institute and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
