Director of People Services

Work Pattern: 35 hours per week

Liverpool Hope University is seeking an experienced and forward looking Director of People Services who can provide strategic leadership on all people matters and help shape a culture where colleagues can thrive. We are looking for someone who can drive organisational performance, champion our values, and ensure that the people experience supports our mission to provide education that transforms lives.

With direct leadership responsibility for the People Services team including Health & Safety and Payroll you will coach and develop colleagues to deliver a high quality and responsive service for the University. You will ensure the successful delivery of our People Strategy by leading the development of a high performance, collaborative and open culture where our values are reflected in everyday practice. As a member of the Executive Board you will work with senior colleagues to plan, develop and implement strategic and operational initiatives that support the University’s wider objectives.

A core part of the role is anticipating the future needs of our workforce culture and the wider higher education landscape. You will lead the development of agile people practices that help the University respond confidently to challenges such as technological change, new regulatory requirements and shifts in the employment market. Through effective workforce planning, data-driven insight and strong engagement with academic and professional leaders you will help ensure the University remains resilient, forward-looking and able to sustain excellence.

You will also strengthen organisational capability by enhancing leadership effectiveness across the institution. This includes designing and delivering initiatives that build management confidence, foster accountability and support constructive performance conversations. Your leadership will help embed a culture of continuous improvement learning and innovation ensuring colleagues have the skills and support they need to succeed.

In addition you will be a visible ambassador for a positive inclusive and healthy working environment. By overseeing and enhancing health safety and wellbeing strategies you will promote a proactive approach to staff welfare that prioritises prevention, early support and good practice. You will ensure we meet our legal obligations while nurturing a culture based on dignity, respect and belonging.

Finally you will represent the University with credibility at regional and national levels contributing to sector discussions and ensuring Hope’s voice is influential in shaping employment practice across higher education. Through constructive engagement with trade unions, external partners and regulatory bodies you will help strengthen the University’s reputation as a responsible values-driven and people-centred employer.

We encourage applications from, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, these groups are underrepresented throughout Professional Services within Liverpool Hope University.

Liverpool Hope University is a Disability Confident Committed employer and run a Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

For full details of the role please see the attached recruitment pack. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae, detailing qualifications and experience, full employment history and relevant achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing in no more than 3 pages how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 4th January at midnight.

Interviews for this post are expected to take place on Wednesday 14th January 2026.

Completed applications should be sent to jobs@hope.ac.uk with the reference :MHUR003

E-mail: jobs@hope.ac.uk

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