Join to apply for the Head of Global Staff Mobility role at UK Research and Innovation
Hours: Full-time/ Part Time (minimum 0.8 FTE) (flexible working available)
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - Hybrid working available. There will be an expectation for attendance on site, including visits to UKRI offices and this will be confirmed during the interview process in line with our hybrid working policy.
Closing Date: 4th January 2026.
About the role
UKRI is committed to fostering a globally connected research and innovation ecosystem. As Head of Global Mobility, you will spearhead the development and delivery of UKRI’s global mobility strategy, enabling seamless international collaboration, talent exchange, and workforce agility across borders. This role is pivotal in advancing UKRI’s ambition to be a confident, efficient, and agile world‑class organisation.
Your responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Design and implement UKRI’s global mobility framework aligned with existing frameworks such as the International Strategic Framework as well as with any future People & Culture Strategies and People Plans remaining responsive to UKRI’s evolving organisational priorities.
* Champion international collaboration and workforce mobility as enablers of UKRI’s six strategic objectives.
Policy and Compliance
* Develop policies and guidance on international assignments, secondments, visas, and cross‑border working.
* Ensure compliance with UK and international employment, immigration, and tax regulations.
Partnerships and Engagement
* Build strategic relationships with global research institutions, funding bodies, and government agencies to facilitate mobility pathways.
* Collaborate with HR, Legal, and Research Councils to support international recruitment and retention.
Operational Excellence
* Lead the delivery of mobility services including relocation support, cultural integration, and risk management.
* Monitor and evaluate mobility programmes to ensure impact, equity, and sustainability.
Personal Specification
* Degree in HR, Business, Law or related field or equivalent experience (S).
* Proven experience and ability to lead in an evolving global mobility environment, international HR, within a complex organisation. Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement (S & I).
* Demonstrates awareness and working knowledge of international employment law and cross‑border compliance, with the ability to identify when and how to seek expert guidance (S&I).
* Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the creativity and flexibility to deliver bespoke solutions in non‑standard scenarios (I).
* Experience managing external service providers and contracts (S & I).
* Track record of influencing internal/external stakeholders and driving strategic change. programme management skills (S & I).
* Familiarity with public sector governance and compliance frameworks (S & I).
* Numerate, with the ability to interpret financial data and contribute to cost modelling and budget planning for mobility programmes (I).
* Strong written communication & interpersonal skills, capable of drafting policies, procedures, and senior‑level briefings with clarity and precision (I).
* Previous experience managing or advising on immigration matters, including visa sponsorship, tax and compliance. Previous experience in global mobility, including international assignments, postings, or secondments (S & I).
Benefits
* 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
* Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
* Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
* Flexible working options.
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work‑life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Human Resources
Industries
* Research Services
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