Chief People Officer

Royal Holloway, University of London; Egham; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the United Kingdom is looking for a Chief People Officer to drive strategic initiatives in attracting, developing, and supporting staff. This pivotal role involves championing equality and diversity, ensuring a thriving workplace culture, and influencing the institution's long-term success. Ideal candidates will have substantial leadership experience in similar organizations and excellent advisory and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders. A competitive salary package is offered.

Qualifications

• Track record of leadership in large organizations.
• Ability to support universities in rapidly evolving environments.
• Proven capability in engaging with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive initiatives to attract, develop, and support talent.
• Champion equality, diversity, and belonging across the institution.
• Influence operations, culture, and success of the university.

Skills

Leadership

Advisory skills

Diplomacy

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Chief People Officer

Location: Egham

Salary: Competitive Salary

Post Type: Full Time

Closing Date: Friday 09 January 2026

Reference: 1225-308

At Royal Holloway we are resolute in our ambition to be a University of Social Purpose. Our students are the heart of what we do, and we are committed to academic excellence and inclusion: a commitment which is threaded through our education, student experience, research and the ways in which our students and colleagues engage with our local, national and global communities. We are proud to be one of the country’s leading research‑intensive institutions, assessed to be in the top 25% in the UK in REF2021. Through the dedication of our academics to teaching and learning, discoveries that change the world, and the distinctive feel of the Royal Holloway experience, we have built a diverse and supportive community that inspires students and colleagues to succeed.

At a pivotal moment in Royal Holloway’s evolution, we are now seeking to appoint a new Chief People Officer (CPO). As a senior leader reporting to the Vice‑Chancellor and Principal, this Executive Board role is central to delivering the RH2030s strategy and will play a transformative role in shaping the institution’s future.

The successful candidate will lead the newly formed People, Culture and Transformation (PCT) division, driving a step‑change in how the University attracts, develops, and supports its people. Working in partnership with academic and professional service leaders, the CPO will ensure that Royal Holloway is a place where people thrive — where leadership is inclusive, performance is recognised and rewarded, and wellbeing is prioritised. They will champion equality, diversity, and belonging, ensuring these principles are embedded in every aspect of the colleague experience. This is not simply a leadership role in HR — it is a strategic position that will influence every part of the University’s operations, culture, and long‑term success.

The successful candidate will possess an outstanding track record of leadership in organisations of comparable scale and complexity. They will have first‑rate advisory and influencing skills and the intellectual agility to support the University’s ambitions in a rapidly evolving policy environment. Comfortable with ambiguity and complexity, they will have well‑developed diplomacy, communication and relationship building skills and a proven ability to deal with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

To apply, please visit https://www.odgers.com/en-gb/opportunities/?r=0#AssignDetail.aspx?guid=94112