Director of People and Organisational Effectiveness

Lancaster University is one of the UK’s leading universities, consistently ranked in the top fifteen across all major UK league tables. It is a complex, multi-layered organisation, comprising 16,595 students and around 3,500 staff. Benefiting significantly from a recent multi-million-pound campus development programme, Lancaster University is central to the community in which it sits, whilst also working across the world in 24 countries, including overseas teaching partnerships and campuses in China, Ghana and Germany. Its research is world-leading in a wide range of areas.

As a key member of an ambitious and collegial senior leadership team steering a forward-thinking and values-driven University, the Director of People and Organisational Effectiveness provides strategic leadership and direction on people and organisational development across the institution.

The successful candidate will be responsible for aligning Lancaster University’s People and Culture Plan with its strategic objectives. Specifically, the pandemic has been a catalyst in changing working practices, educational, research and service delivery at Lancaster University. It is now entering a phase of longer-term transformation in line with the University’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026. It will be essential that the incoming Director of People and Organisational Effectiveness is able to work collaboratively at all levels of the institution to ensure an organisational culture that is values-based and aligned to its long-term objectives and those of its workforce.

Senior leadership experience at Director level is preferred. Specifically, candidates should be able to demonstrate evidence of:

·       Providing vision, leadership and management across a relevant portfolio of activities

·       A strong understanding of organisational development, leadership/professional development and HR practices to support the enhancement of working practices, skills and staff engagement

·       A deep commitment to the EDI agenda and embedding its importance in everything Lancaster University does

·       Leading successful change programmes in relevant settings

·       Engaging productively with trade unions

The ability to develop and leverage effective networks regionally and nationally will also be essential, as will being able to work internationally with overseas partners and campuses.

Candidates should apply for this role through our retained advisors Networked at https://www.networkedpeople.com/lancaster-university-people-director/

Applications should consist of a full CV and letter of application, which should indicate how you fit the person specification and what you see as the key challenges for the portfolio in the immediate future following appointment. Your letter of application should not exceed 2 pages using a minimum of 11pt.

Please send applications to people-lancaster@networkedpeople.com – the closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Monday 14^th February 2022.

Lancaster University is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis, as well as the Athena Swan, Race Equality, Stonewall and Disability Confident Charters, which recognise and celebrate good employment practice undertaken in higher education.