Director of People

The Opportunity: 

Help us redefine what is possible. Be part of something bigger. 

The University of Edinburgh is seeking an outstanding and experienced people leader to serve as Director of People. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape and deliver the University’s people strategy at one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities, ensuring that Edinburgh remains an employer of choice and a place where staff are supported to do their best work.

The University of Edinburgh is seeking an exceptional people leader to serve as Director of People. This is a significant opportunity to shape and deliver the people strategy for one of the world's great universities, with over 400 years of history, a community of more than 17,000 staff and 50,000 students drawn from over 160 countries, and an unwavering commitment to addressing society's greatest challenges.

Reporting to the Vice-Principal (Corporate Services) and operating as a key member of the University Executive, the Director of People will provide visionary leadership to a HR function of approximately 140 professionals, with responsibility for a people agenda that spans three Colleges and a broad portfolio of Professional Services Groups. With a direct influence over the experience of every member of staff, this is a role of genuine institutional significance.

The University's Strategy 2030 places people at the heart of its ambitions. The next Director of People will be central to realising that vision: in driving organisational transformation, embedding digital innovation and AI across the HR function, and positioning the University as a destination of choice for talent worldwide. The postholder will champion an inclusive, high-performing culture; strengthen staff experience and wellbeing; and lead the evolution of our HR operating model in response to a rapidly changing landscape.

This is a pivotal moment for the people function. We are seeking a leader who combines strategic foresight with operational credibility: someone who can navigate the complexity of a large, research-intensive environment, bring data-driven insight to workforce planning, and engage with equal confidence at the level of the Principal's Senior Leadership Team and the front line. Experience of leading change at scale, a deep commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to build trust across a diverse academic and professional community will all be essential.

As a University, and Senior Leadership Team, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applicants who reflect the diversity we wish to see in our staff and student community, including at senior levels. We are seeking a Director of People who will share and advance this commitment through principled, considerate and respectful leadership.

The closing date for applications is Monday 27th July at 09:00 am BST.

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