Assistant Director of Human Resources

The University of Cambridge is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the world, with more than 12,500 employees, of whom approximately half are employed on academic or research contracts and the other half comprise our professional services community. As we continue to enhance our reputation as a prominent employer, we are committed to bringing about a shift by evolving HR into a more contemporary and progressive service, which is recognised as empowering and enabling. We are now in an exciting period of transformation, which will culminate in the launch and implementation of a new People Strategy, alongside the implementation of the HR Transformation Programme, which aims to simplify and harmonise our people processes. To enable us to delivery this important work, we have reshaped our HR leadership team. We therefore have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Director of Human Resources to join the team, who alongside the Director and Deputy Director of HR, will provide oversight to the transformation and evolution of the University's HR provision.

**The Role**:
As a key member of the HR leadership team, you will be responsible for managing the operational performance of the HR Business Partnering team, driving positive employee and management engagement on creative and effective initiatives, whilst setting and maintaining high service standards. You will play a vital role in the development, implementation and maintenance of the University's People Strategy, translating goals into people plans and priorities. We will also look to you to:

- Oversee the design and delivery of the operational HR service provided to the Schools and Non-School Institutions, ensuring service delivery is modern, proactive and holistic;
- Manage and support a team of 40+ staff, who cover a wide remit of practice, including; HR Business Partnering Case Management, Investigations, Policy and Industrial Relations;
- Lead and drive forward complex projects, ensuring the support of leaders, managers, trade unions and other stakeholders to minimise reputational risk to the University;
- Review, maintain and implement employment policies, procedures and guidelines across the organisation, developing action plans to mitigate risk as appropriate; and
- Role model and champion the professional services values (respect, trust, integrity and collaboration) and lead from the front on the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda.

**About you**:
You will join us with:

- Degree level education (or equivalent qualification) with membership of the CIPD (or equivalent experience) as a Chartered Member or Fellow;
- Significant senior HR management experience within a large, complex organisation;
- Substantial experience of successfully delivering significant organisational transformation / change programmes;
- Expert understanding and knowledge of contemporary, sector-leading practice in HR and employment law;
- A compelling, authentic, warm and values-led leadership style, which projects confidence, self-belief and presence;
- A diplomatic approach toward interactions and decision-making, thinking outside the box to achieve outcomes that benefit the University;
- The ability to contribute to specific tasks without losing sight of the bigger picture;
- The ability to build and sustain strong working relationships, whilst being adept at building credibility with staff at all levels both internally and externally; and
- Superb oral and written communications and influencing skills.

If you feel you are the right person to further enhance our provision of visible and joined-up leadership, whilst delivering a progressive and proactive HR service to the University, we want to hear from you.

**How to apply**:
In addition to this opportunity as Assistant HR Director, we are also recruiting to the role of Deputy Director of HR. If you would like more information about the Deputy role, please click here [INSERT LINK].

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