Deputy Director (People Partnering)

About the role

Are you a strategic HR leader ready to shape the future of people partnering in a world-class university? As Deputy Director of People Partnering, you'll lead a talented team, drive consistency across the function, and play a hands-on role supporting a key Faculty or Support Services area. This is an exciting opportunity to influence university-wide people strategies, champion cultural change, and help create an inclusive, high-performing environment where staff can thrive.

What you would be doing

In this exciting role, you’ll lead and inspire a team of People Partnering professionals to deliver a consistent, high-impact HR service across the Imperial.

You'll work closely with leaders within and beyond the People Function to shape people strategies, drive cultural change, and deliver solutions that support long-term success.

You’ll bring your expertise to complex organisational challenges, from workforce planning to performance and development. You’ll create strong working relationships to support the business to access key people services within the central function.

You’ll also take the lead in supporting a designated Faculty or Support Services area, building strong relationships and ensuring HR delivery is responsive, inclusive and future-focused.

What we are looking for

• A strategic HR leader with significant experience in large, complex organisations and a track record of delivering people-focused change.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing HR teams, with a collaborative and empowering approach.
• Deep expertise in workforce planning, organisational design, talent management and employee relations, with the confidence to navigate complex challenges.
• A credible and trusted advisor to senior leaders, able to influence at the highest level and drive culture and engagement initiatives that make a real impact.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, HR best practices and emerging trends, with the ability to turn insight into action.
• A customer-focused mindset, with excellent communication, facilitation and data-driven decision-making skills.
• CIPD qualification (or equivalent experience) and ideally a coaching or mentoring qualification to support leadership development.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Join the People Function at an exciting time of change
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a full-time post. We operate a hybrid working model with the expectation of being in-person three days a week.

This role will report to the Deputy Director of People Partnering and Operations within Imperial’s People Function. As a People Function, our goal is to attract a diverse community of the highest calibre talent, deliver a sector-leading employee experience, and provide an efficient, effective, and integrated service to all who use our support.

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links.

• download: Deputy Director of People Partnering.pdf
• download: Employee Benefits Booklet.pdf

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. 

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