Director of People and Culture

Abertay is a modern university with a global outlook, rooted in its local and national communities. We have made our mark with high quality, well-directed teaching and research, and a stimulating and enriching experience for our students.

The University now seeks to appoint an outstanding individual to lead our People Services Directorate as Director of People and Culture. Reporting directly to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and serving as a key member of both the Executive Group and Senior Management Team, this role is central to shaping and delivering a progressive People Strategy that aligns with the University’s mission and values.

The Directorate encompasses Human Resources, People Operations, Learning and Development, Staff Engagement and Wellbeing, Occupational Health, Health and Safety, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Organisational Development.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across all People Services functions, ensuring the delivery of integrated, high-quality services that support the University’s strategic objectives. This includes fostering a culture of inclusion and wellbeing, developing leadership and staff capabilities, and promoting effective employee engagement and partnership working with trade unions. The role also involves chairing key committees, overseeing staff development and health and safety, and leading on EDI strategy and initiatives, including the University’s Diversity Fest and Charter/Frameworks work.

As a member of the Executive Group and Senior Management Team, the Director will contribute to the overall strategic direction and operational performance of the University.

This includes shared accountability for financial sustainability, resource allocation, risk management, and the development and implementation of institutional strategies and policies. The role also involves providing confidential advice to senior leaders and supporting the development of a high-performing leadership team.

We are looking for a values-driven leader with extensive experience at a senior strategic level in a complex organisation, ideally with a background in higher education. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in HR, OD, and EDI, with a strong track record of transformational leadership and organisational change.

If you believe you have the skills and experience for this exciting and challenging role, please submit your application through our online recruitment system, which can be found at https://www.abertay.ac.uk/discover/work-here/jobs/

Committed to Equal Opportunities

Abertay University is a Scottish Registered Charity, No: SC016040

Advert information