Deputy Director of Talent and Culture

About the role

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on a world-leading organisation’s culture and talent strategy? The Deputy Director of Talent and Culture will be at the forefront of shaping Imperial’s vibrant culture, ensuring it remains inclusive, engaging, and aligned with the organisation’s core values. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the development of Imperial’s talent management strategy, driving initiatives that attract, nurture, and retain top talent. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing Imperial’s Wellbeing Strategy, Mental Health Charter, and Health & Safety Audit, while championing employee recognition, progression, and workforce planning in support of Imperial’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture (EDIC).

What you would be doing

In this dynamic and rewarding role, you will lead initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture. By collaborating closely with senior leaders, you'll drive recognition and engagement strategies that enhance employee satisfaction, development, and productivity. You will spearhead the planning and execution of staff surveys, analyse results to identify key areas for improvement, and work cross-functionally to develop actionable plans. With regular communication with senior leadership, you'll oversee recognition programmes and motivate teams to thrive.

You will play a central role in shaping and advancing Imperial’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, delivering tailored support and preventive measures that drive positive staff outcomes. Through data analysis, including survey feedback, stress-related absence rates, and service usage, you will ensure the strategy’s ongoing success and impact.

As a leader in talent development, you will create and manage programmes that support employees’ growth, progression, and career development. Additionally, you will guide the EDIC function, helping to craft a strategy that promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace. Staying ahead of industry trends, you’ll regularly draft insightful reports for senior leadership and university boards, offering data-driven recommendations on engagement, talent development, and workplace culture.

What we are looking for

• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CIPD membership or equivalent experience in a specialist field.
• Proven expertise in employee engagement, talent development, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Experience in developing and implementing equality, diversity, inclusion, and culture strategies and initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into actionable insights that drive positive change.
• Experience leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams within HR.
• Skilled in building strong relationships and working with Trade Union representatives.
• A deep understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and culture (EDIC) principles, and a commitment to best practices.
• Creative problem-solving abilities, with a strategic approach to addressing challenges.
• A track record of developing and implementing long-term strategies that align with organisational goals and promote continuous improvement.

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.
• You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference, contributing to the development of a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture at one of the world’s leading institutions.

• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.