Deputy HR Director

Royal Holloway, University of London; Borough of Runnymede; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research-intensive university is seeking an Interim Deputy Director of HR to lead transformation in their HR function. The role involves enhancing operational delivery while maintaining exceptional HR services. Ideal candidates will possess senior HR leadership experience, expertise in UK employment law, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity. The offer includes a competitive rewards and benefits package, including generous annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Training and Development opportunities

Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution

Various schemes including Cycle to Work

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex, people-focused, unionised environment.
• Proven track record of delivering service improvements.
• Credibility to build trust with senior leaders and trade unions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of the HR function.
• Ensure operational delivery and efficiency.
• Support colleagues across the university.

Skills

Senior HR leadership experience

Service improvements

Deep expertise in UK employment law

Influencing skills

Job description

Overview

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Full-Time, Fixed-Term (until 1 May 2026 with possible extension, subject to circumstance)

Shape the Future of HR at a World-Class University

Hybrid working (4 days a week on site at our beautiful Egham campus)

Royal Holloway is a leading research-intensive university with a proud heritage and bold ambitions. To realise our vision, we need an HR function that's not just fit for purpose-but fit for the future.

We're seeking an Interim Deputy Director of HR who's ready to do more than keep the lights on. This is a pivotal role for a change-maker: someone with the drive, resilience, and strategic insight to modernise our systems, embed digital innovation, and lead cultural transformation-while ensuring our HR services remain exceptional every single day.

You'll be a values-led leader who lives and breathes our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. You'll champion student success and wellbeing and believe deeply in the social purpose of higher education. You'll also share our dedication to environmental sustainability and help elevate Royal Holloway's reputation locally and globally through your leadership and impact.

Working closely with our Interim HR Director, you'll lead the transformation of our HR function while taking full ownership of operational delivery. You'll ensure our services are efficient, responsive, and people-centred-supporting colleagues across the university and enabling them to thrive.

What you'll bring

• Senior HR leadership experience in a complex, people-focused, unionised environment-ideally within higher education
• A proven track record of delivering service improvements and driving operational excellence
• Deep expertise in UK employment law, employee relations, and the full HR remit
• The credibility and influence to build trust with senior leaders, trade unions, and colleagues at every level

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
• Free parking

If you're energised by change and motivated by purpose-if you have the courage, creativity, and commitment to lead transformation-we'd love to hear from you.