Head of Strategic Workforce Planning

About the Job and the department

As part of delivering the ambitious 2030 strategy, the University has recently undertaken a modernisation of Professional Services, which has reviewed all systems, processes and structure of Professional Services teams, both centrally and in departments. The ultimate aim of the modernisation is to ensure that services are designed and function in a way that means Warwick is future-ready. The programme has created an environment that encourages empowerment and optimal delivery.

As a result of this modernisation, significant investment has taken place within the People Team, to include the identification of the requirement of a cross-university Strategic Workforce Plan, making the University of Warwick one of the leading Higher Education institutions in creating a specific role for this purpose. As such, the successful postholder would have the exciting opportunity to lead on, influence and work with colleagues spanning the entire institution, impacting around 6,000 colleagues.

The Head of Strategic Workforce Planning will define and develop the method of analysis, forecasting and planning, to review workforce supply and demand. Through leveraging data to identify gaps, whilst collaborating with the broader People function, they will lead on and agree strategies to achieve a workforce with the right size, shape, cost and capability for both short and long-term success.

Reporting to the Director of People Strategy & Insights, the Head of Strategic Workforce Planning will be responsible for forming and shaping a small team to support them in their pioneering activity.

What are we looking for in the ideal candidate?           

As a trusted subject matter expert, at strategic level, the successful candidate will bring a proven ability to implement strategic workforce planning analysis, forecasting and modelling capabilities, with the strength of knowledge and experience to build capabilities from the ground up.

The person will demonstrate the ability to think critically, strategically, and analytically to provide evidence-based solutions, whilst confidently representing their specialism within senior forums, committees, and boards.

The ideal candidate will bring working knowledge of relevant workforce planning systems and software’s, advising on best practice, in order to build the University’s capability to define and interpret talent and workforce data.

Whilst the client is not necessarily seeking someone who has previously worked in Higher Education, they are looking for an individual who can bring an understanding of and empathy with Higher Education, and the associated workforce demands and trends, from relevant organisations they have previously worked in.

What will you get in return?

• 30 days of paid annual leave, four shut down days at Christmas, and eight bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme by the Universities Superannuation Scheme
• Learning and development opportunities
• Free eye care vouchers
• Preferred rates for a dental plan
• Discounts at Warwick Arts Centre and Warwick Sport Membership
• Enrolment onto the Employee Assistance Programme, a complete support network that offers expert advice and guidance 24/7

About the University of Warwick

Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK*, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’**. *QS World University Rankings 2024 ** Research Excellence Framework 2021

You’ll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the determination to succeed.

How to apply

The University of Warwick has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; please apply by submitting a CV & Cover Letter in Word Document format or by email to enquiries@searchhigher.com (via the ‘Apply’ button above). Please ensure your Cover Letter addresses each section of the Person Specification.

Initial exploratory conversations will take place with the SearchHigher team, followed by conversations and formal panel with suitable candidates.

For the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click here.

Previous candidates need not apply.

Closing date: Sunday 3^rd August