Head of HR

The Role

Are you an experienced HR professional? Do you have a proven track-record of delivering an effective HR service across a complex organisation? Clare College Cambridge seeks to appoint a new Head of HR, in succession to the current post-holder who is retiring after 22 years at the College. This is an exciting opportunity to join a college which seeks to remain at the forefront of education, learning and research.

As Head of HR, you will make a vital contribution to the smooth and effective running of the College by providing relevant, timely and professional HR advice and support, and by ensuring that the HR Department delivers its operations to a high standard.

Founded in 1326, Clare College is the second oldest of the 31 colleges in the University of Cambridge. Regarded as one of the more progressive and informal, it is renowned as a college that achieves academically at the highest levels, whilst also being welcoming, forward-thinking, and inclusive. Clare College has a small number of academic employees and around 150 non-academic staff across a wide range of departments (including Housekeeping, Hospitality, Buildings and Maintenance, Porters, Finance and Tutorial). Staff support the academic mission of the College as well as its commercial conferencing business. 

You will be an experienced HR professional with a demonstrable ability to multi-task at operational and strategic levels, including policy development, staff engagement, wellbeing and training. A high degree of discretion, judgement and tact, and the ability to work and remain calm under pressure are all prerequisites, as are a solution-oriented mindset and a focus on continuous improvement. You will be able to deal with people professionally, politely and sensitively at all levels, both verbally and in writing, and to take into account different views or priorities before making balanced recommendations or taking action.

Located in the heart of Cambridge city centre, the College is extraordinarily beautiful and famed for its gardens on “the Backs” (the famous backs of the Colleges that overlook the River Cam). Clare’s Old Court, a Grade I listed building, is the centre of the College and is unique among the ancient Cambridge Colleges in having maintained its architectural integrity over the course of its history. 

Salary and Benefits

Remuneration will be between £63,000 and £69,000 depending on experience. There will be a four-month probationary period. The role holder will be eligible to join the College’s contributory pension scheme after three months’ service. In addition to this the post holder would be eligible to park at the College, receive a bonus every year, and meals on duty.  We also offer membership of a defined salary sacrifice pension contribution scheme and a Healthcare cash plan. 

The Application Process

Please apply by submitting a completed application form, equal opportunities form and a covering letter highlighting your suitability for the position to the HR Manager, Sally Hewings (sh435@clare.cam.ac.uk). The closing date for this position is 17:00 BST on Wednesday 15 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on the afternoon of Thursday 23 April 2026. 

Job Description and Person Specification

Application Form

Equal Opportunities Form

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