Job Description
Organisational Development Practitioner
Providing Services to: Higher Education Provider
Salary: £41,064 per annum (appointment normally made at the minimum)
Hours of Work: Full time (37 hours per week)
Location: South Wales (Various sites Cardiff & Newport) Hybrid working available
Contract Duration: Fixed term to 31st July 2027
About the Role
We are working with a leading higher education provider who are seeking an Organisational Development Practitioner to join their growing OD team. This role focuses on the delivery and facilitation of high-quality leadership and management development programmes, aimed primarily at first-line and middle managers across the organisation.
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering engaging, interactive learning experiences and supporting a range of OD projects, including:
* Leadership capability development
* Behavioural frameworks and culture initiatives
* Colleague engagement activities
* Wellbeing and psychologically safe working environments
* Inclusive leadership and EDI-aligned development
You will also contribute to the refinement and delivery of modules covering core management topics such as managing performance, sickness absence, appraisals, and developing effective leadership within a university setting.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong facilitation skills and experience in leadership development to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative and values-driven environment.
Job Purpose
* To contribute as part of the OD team to delivering the People Strategy, co-designing and facilitating high-quality organisational development priorities for individuals and teams across the institution. This includes culture change, leadership and management development (particularly for first-line and middle managers), individual and team effectiveness, and candidate/colleague experience.
* To take the lead on coordinating and delivering a major leadership and management development project, ensuring organisation-wide alignment, quality and impact.
* To act as a change agent, supporting change initiatives across the Higher Education Provider.
* To drive forward activities that promote the Higher Education Provider as an Employer of Choice, modelling positive behaviours that underpin core organisational values.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and deliver OD and change management interventions that support the ambition to be a high-performing organisation, with a strong focus on leadership and management development.
* Use organisational data and insights to inform analysis, produce recommendations, and prepare reports for governance groups and senior leaders.
* Provide advice, facilitation and practical support to managers on a range of OD matters, including leadership and management development.
* Communicate effectively, constructively challenge, and engage with staff at all levels to secure buy-in to new ways of working and culture enhancement.
* Plan and coordinate a major leadership and management development initiative, ensuring stakeholder engagement, timely delivery and effective evaluation.
* Evaluate OD activities and embed continuous improvement.
* Develop resources to support leaders and managers in building and managing effective teams.
* Apply evidence-based practice and share relevant thought leadership on OD topics.
* Promote continuous learning, self-directed development, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
* Embed equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging using an "Inclusive by Design" approach.
* Maintain strong relationships with trade unions, promoting partnership working and joint problem-solving.
* Represent the OD team at cross-institutional boards or meetings as required.
* Undertake additional duties commensurate with the grade as required.
Person Specification
* * CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HRM-related qualification, or equivalent relevant experience.
* OD experience in complex organisations.
* * Track record of designing and delivering OD interventions aligned to strategic objectives, including leadership and management development programmes.
* * Understanding of organisational transformation and its implications for OD.
* * Knowledge and practical experience of applying OD models, particularly in leadership and management development.
* * Experience of facilitation, coaching and personal/team development, including delivery of leadership and management sessions.
* * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to convey complex information to all levels.
* Welsh language skills (speaking and/or writing) are desirable.
Disability Confident - Offer of Interview
As part of our commitment to equality, all disabled applicants who meet the key criteria (marked *) will be guaranteed an interview.
For further information about this opportunity, please contact Branwen Johns on 07458163873 and email a copy of your CV
First stage interviews are looking to take place 22nd December with second stage to be arranged for January 2026.