HR Change Manager

About the role

Our client, a leading University, has a requirement for an experienced HR Change Manager. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing employee relations and supporting the integration of the Professional Services Directorates following the merger. The role involves working closely with Professional Service Directors and the Change Support Unit to design, implement, and monitor change initiatives that ensure a smooth transition and alignment with the University's strategic goals.

The postholder will be responsible for supporting Directors and other senior managers with the development of change proposals, acting as HR lead for the consultation process, and ensuring that employee relations and organisational needs are addressed in line with HR best practice and legal compliance, with a focus on the wellbeing of staff.

Responsibilities

• Leadership of Change Initiatives, leading and managing the people aspects of the integration process, particularly the merger of Professional Services Directorates, ensuring that change is executed effectively and that the impact on staff is minimised.
• Collaborate with Professional Service Directors and Change Support Unit, the role will ensure change proposal deliver aligned with Target Operating Model principles providing expert advice and guidance on managing people through the transition.
• Drive effective Employee Consultation and Engagement, overseeing and coordinating individual and collective consultation processes, working closely with Professional Service Directors and the Change Support Unit to ensure staff concerns are addressed and changes are communicated effectively.
• Play an active role in leading the development and execution of consultation plans, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, transparency, and engagement with employees at all levels.
• Partnering with Professional Service Directors and key stakeholders you will support the development of change proposals, including structural changes, role redesigns, and new working practices.
• The role will provide Strategic HR and guidance to Professional Service Directors on managing the people side of change, including performance management, addressing redundancy, redeployment, and role restructuring, liaising with Organisational Development and Change Support Unit as required.
• Work with the Change Support Unit to integrate HR processes and resources into the overall change programme, ensuring that employee relations concerns are proactively addressed.
• Lead formal consultations with trade unions regarding the changes, ensuring that their concerns are addressed constructively and in alignment with legal and policy frameworks.
• Working in liaison with Organisational Development, develop and deliver training resources for managers to effectively lead teams through change, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and handling employee concerns.
• Ensure that support mechanisms are in place for employees impacted by the changes, including wellbeing programmes, career support services, and (where applicable) that redeployment opportunities are managed appropriately.

Qualifications

Professionally qualified – Level 7 membership of the CIPD or broad-based business qualification and/or practical HR experience in a range of HR activities including experience in employee relations

Required Skills

Proven experience in employee relations, leading change and project management activities preferably within a complex, unionised environment or post-merger integration setting. HE sector desirable

Demonstrable experience of developing and implementing change proposals in accordance with defined principles and parameters preferably within a complex, unionised environment or post-merger integration setting. HE sector desirable

Experience in managing employee consultations, leading collective consultation processes, and advising on employment law and HR best practices.

Pay range and compensation package

This role is a 12 month fixed-term contract.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to University's Equal Opportunities Statement.