Deputy Director of Human Resources

University of Liverpool; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university in Liverpool is seeking a Deputy Director of Human Resources. This senior role involves shaping and delivering a progressive HR agenda that aligns with the university's strategic goals. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in large, complex environments, strong knowledge of employment law, and exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. The university is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups.

Qualifications

• Experienced senior HR professional with a strong background in large, complex environments.
• Extensive knowledge of employment law and employee relations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in unionized settings.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver a progressive people agenda aligned with strategic goals.
• Oversee HR functions including Strategic HR Partnering and Workforce Planning.
• Lead and develop a highly motivated HR team.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent analytical skills

Influencing skills

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of employment law

Employee relations frameworks

Job description

Working at the University of Liverpool allows you to be a part of our future and we're working towards achieving something special as we move towards our 150th anniversary.

Our ambition to be a Top 100 university can only be realised through the talents, expertise and endeavours of our people. Placing our values at its heart, our vision is to foster an inspirational, welcoming and inclusive culture in which every colleague is valued, respected, and able to thrive and reach their full potential.

As our Deputy Director of Human Resources, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering a progressive people agenda that aligns with the University’s strategic goals. You will have ownership and accountability for HR functions including Strategic HR Partnering, Workforce Planning, and Employee Relations. You will play a key role in the leadership and development of our highly motivated HR team, helping to drive our people and culture agenda forward in support of the University’s ambitions.

To apply you must be an experienced and highly skilled senior HR professional who has successfully operated in a large, complex and unionised environment. You will be a strategic thinker with excellent analytical, influencing, and problem‑solving skills, and you will have extensive and demonstrable knowledge of employment law, employee relations frameworks, and sector‑specific challenges.

If this sounds like the role for you then we would love to hear from you.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit https://recruit.liverpool.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 7 January 2026.

First stage interviews will take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026 and final stage interviews will be held on Wednesday 28 January 2026.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.