Head of People Programmes

About the role

We are excited to announce the creation of several new roles as part of a comprehensive review of the People function. This transformation has been designed to better align with the university’s mission and strategic priorities while enhancing its overall impact.  

We are looking forward to welcoming passionate and talented individuals who will play a pivotal role in driving our success and shaping the future of the university.

This role is a new one for the Team, with the intention that it will help to build more collaborative ways of working, and putting the user at the centre of what we do. Most importantly, it is focused on ensuring effective delivery, and tangible, positive outcomes to project and product development work within the Division.

What you would be doing

We are looking for a Programme Manager to lead the successful delivery of high-impact initiatives from inception through to completion. You’ll take ownership of all aspects of programme management—planning, risk and dependency management, governance, and reporting—while driving forward some of our most strategic priorities.

In this role, you'll work closely with the Chief People Officer to lead key projects such as the People Plan 2025–2030, the People Group staff survey action plan, and the development of a vibrant HR Community of Practice across the university.

You will coach and support agile project teams, helping them deliver innovative products, services, and change. Success in this role means bringing together the right people at the right time, maintaining momentum, and using your influence and determination to drive delivery forward.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can think strategically while delivering practically, championing agile ways of working across the HR function. You’ll thrive in a hybrid environment, navigating complexity through collaboration and inspiring change through influence.

• Degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) 
• Proven experience in delivery projects
• Proven experience balancing multi-disciplinary teams
• Good financial management of project budgets and reporting
• Previous experience of project management in HR
• Excellent facilitation, collaboration, and communication skills
• Good knowledge of a range of project management tools
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to persuade and influence stakeholders. Ability to understand complex customer demands and turn them in to easy-to-understand user stories
• Naturally curious and always looking to learn lessons and improve
• Thrives on challenges and seeks to achieve results

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.
• 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.

Available documents

Attached documents are available under links. 

• download: Head of People Programmes.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.