Deputy HR Director (Interim)

Royal Holloway University of London; Egham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious higher education institution in Egham is seeking an Interim Deputy Director of HR to lead the transformation of its HR function. The ideal candidate will have senior HR leadership experience in a complex environment, deep expertise in UK employment law, and a commitment to equality and inclusion. This role offers generous annual leave, training opportunities, and a pension scheme with employer contributions.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Training and Development opportunities

Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution

Cycle to Work scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex, people-focused, unionised environment, ideally higher education.
• Proven track record of delivering service improvements and driving operational excellence.
• Deep understanding of UK employment law and employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of HR function focusing on modernisation and cultural change.
• Ensure operational delivery is efficient and responsive.
• Collaborate with the Interim HR Director to shape HR strategy.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all HR practices.

Skills

Senior HR leadership experience

Service improvements

UK employment law expertise

Building trust with stakeholders

Job description

Overview

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

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 do

• Lead the transformation of the HR function with a focus on modernisation, digital innovation, and cultural change.
• Ensure operational delivery is efficient, responsive, and people-centred, supporting colleagues across the university.
• Collaborate with the Interim HR Director to shape strategy and delivery for HR services.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all HR practices and policies.

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

Benefits

• 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

Application information

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.

For an informal discussion please contact Aisla Nicholls, interim Director of HR, [e-mail]

Please quote the reference: 0925-224

Closing Date: 23:59, 3 October 2025

Shortlisting: Week Commencing 6 October 2025

Interview Date: Week Commencing 13 October 2025