About the Organisation:
A globally recognised, research-intensive academic institution is seeking an experienced Interim Head of HR to support a large, complex division delivering world-leading research across the UK and internationally.
This is a senior leadership role within a highly matrixed environment, supporting multiple research units and a globally distributed workforce.
The Opportunity:
This is a critical interim leadership role reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for leading the HR function and partnering with senior stakeholders across a diverse, international organisation.
You will operate at both strategic and operational levels, driving HR strategy, leading change initiatives, and managing complex employee relations and organisational challenges.
The role also has a unique global dimension, supporting workforce models that include a significant number of internationally based staff across multiple jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic HR Leadership:
- Shape and deliver the HR strategy aligned to organisational priorities
- Partner with senior leadership to drive change, transformation, and workforce planning
- Lead on HR aspects of governance, risk, and compliance frameworks
- Provide expert advice on complex international employment models and structures
- Champion equality, diversity & inclusion across the organisation
- Lead HR projects and cyclical programmes to time and quality standards
HR Leadership & Team Management:
- Lead and develop a high-performing HR function (c. 20+ team members)
- Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to HR managers and wider team
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in HR service delivery
- Foster a customer-focused, high-performance culture
HR Operations & Service Delivery:
- Act as escalation point for complex employee relations cases
- Advise senior stakeholders on high-risk and sensitive HR matters
- Lead on dispute resolution, mediation, and investigations
- Liaise with legal and central HR functions to mitigate organisational risk
- Support senior recruitment, including business cases for executive hires
- Oversee international working arrangements, secondments, and funding models
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build strong relationships across operational and academic leadership teams
- Collaborate with central functions and external partners
- Represent HR on internal committees and working groups
About You:
Essential:
- CIPD Level 7
- Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role within a complex organisation
- Strong track record of delivering HR strategy and leading change initiatives
- Deep knowledge of UK employment law and risk management
- Extensive experience managing complex employee relations cases
- Experience leading and developing HR teams
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, and communication skills
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
Desirable:
- Experience within higher education, research, or similarly complex environments
- Exposure to international workforce models and global HR challenges
- Experience with EDI frameworks and initiatives
- Chartered CIPD status
What's on Offer:
- Generous pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- Hybrid working model (4 days onsite)
- Family-friendly policies and childcare support
- Travel and transport benefits
- Access to social, cultural, and sporting facilities
- Inclusive and collaborative working environment