Director of People and Culture, People and Culture

At Essex University, we are committed to excellence in teaching and research, offering a transformational education to our students so that they can make the world a better place, and ensuring our research benefits individuals and communities. Our university is a community whose concern is not just with the pursuit of learning, but with the fulfilment of lives.

The University currently has 17,800 students at our campuses in Colchester, Southend and Loughton, a further 5,000 students based at our strategic partners and 1,000 academic staff. We are a UK top 10 university for research quality in four subjects and in the UK top 10 for research power in five subjects (Times Higher Education 2022). We have achieved a top 50% position for all perspectives in the Knowledge Exchange Framework second iteration. In 2018 we were awarded the accolade ‘University of the Year’ by the Times Higher Education.

We are currently seeking a new Director of People & Culture. The postholder will have responsibility for leading the People & Culture Team and contribute actively to the development of the University’s Strategic Plan. They will lead the implementation of our People Supporting Strategy 2025 and its successor as well as all people-related aspects of the University’s Research and Education strategies. The postholder will also advise the Executive Team on best practice and work to ensure the University is an institution where staff feel valued, where they are listened to and treated fairly in accordance with our values.

The ideal candidate would have a successful track record as a senior HR leader within a large organisation. They would have experience leading effective organisational and cultural change in a diverse and complex environment. Candidates would ideally have an understanding of the HE landscape in the UK and the role HR plays within this context. Communication skills are vital to this role as the new Director of People and Culture will be expected to work closely with all parts of our University community. They will be a strong team player who motivates and develops their team.

For details on how to apply, click here.