Director of Organisation Design and Effectiveness

About the role

The Director of Organisation Design and Effectiveness will focus on enhancing organisational performance, supporting cultural transformation, and helping to shape the people agenda to deliver on the University’s strategic goals.

Working closely with University leadership and reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Director of Organisational Design and Effectiveness is a new role that will shape and implement strategies to optimise organisational design, role definition and workforce effectiveness, ensuring that the university is designed to remain effective in the evolving higher education landscape.

About you

We are seeking a candidate with proven experience in a senior organisational effectiveness, HR, or change management role in a large complex organisation. We will understand and learn from your experiences in designing effective organisation structures and planning workforce models to meet both short-term and longer-term objectives. Experience of supporting cultural change in a large organisation will also be essential – as will be the ability to work with and influence colleagues at all levels in the organisation.

What we can offer you

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.

Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Help with childcare
• Support for your wellbeing
• Leadership development
• Financial benefits
• Staff networks
• Discounted sports membership
• Pension scheme
• Discounted travel

About the University of Lancashire

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

The University of Lancashire is an international, multi-campus university tracing its roots back to 1828 and leading the way in modern learning today. One of the largest universities in the UK, with over 39,000 students, the University was named Edufuturists ‘University of the Year’ in 2023, in recognition of our work to ignite change and transform learning for the benefit of society and future generations.

How to apply

The University of Lancashire has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; please apply by submitting a CV & Cover Letter in Word Document format, of no more than two pages for each document, on the SearchHigher website, linked at the bottom of the advert, accessed on the apply button above.

Initial exploratory conversations will take place with the SearchHigher team, followed by a formal panel and presentation with suitable candidates on the University of Lancashire Preston site on Monday 19th January 2026. For an informal discussion, please contact Nick Brian on nicholas.a.brian@warwick.ac.uk

Further information about the role can be found in the candidate pack here.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.