Director of People & Culture

GatenbySanderson; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading ocean research institution as the Director of People & Culture. This role will drive a transformation within a people-first framework, focusing on creating a high-performing and inclusive organization. You will be instrumental in shaping leadership development and innovative people strategies to enhance employee experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in HR or People roles within complex organizations.
• Expertise in organizational development, culture change, and strategic transformation.
• Vision and solutions-based thinking that drives innovation.

Responsibilities

• Drive the evolution of the people function into a strategic powerhouse.
• Lead culture transformation and embed innovative, data-driven people strategies.
• Champion leadership development across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational Development

Culture Change

Analytical Skills

Inclusive Leadership

Influencing Skills

Job description

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This range is provided by GatenbySanderson. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Director of People & Culture

Location: Southampton / Hybrid with occasional travel to Liverpool

This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to https://noc-leadership.co.uk/ until the closing date of 7 July at 9am.

Join the National Oceanography Centre to lead a people-first transformation at one of the world’s most innovative ocean research institutions.

Our aim at NOC is to build a world where everyone feels empowered and inspired to help our oceans thrive.

As one of the world leaders in marine science, we lead the UK’s National Capability in oceanography, manage Europe’s largest fleet of autonomous and robotic marine vehicles, and operate two state-of-the-art research ships, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook. Through our trading subsidiary, NOC Innovations Ltd, we provide a vital link between science and business, enabling technology and research to transfer to industry.

An independent charitable organisation, we have a skilled and experienced Executive team and Board, supported by high calibre colleagues across Southampton, Liverpool and on our research ships. As we implement our ambitious 2025–2035 vision, we are seeking a visionary Director of People & Culture to lead a bold transformation of our people strategy.

This is not a conventional HR leadership role. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will drive the evolution of our people function into a strategic powerhouse—building a high-performing, inclusive, and future-ready organisation.

You will lead culture transformation, champion leadership development, and embed innovative, data-driven people strategies that empower our diverse workforce to thrive.

What you’ll bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in HR or People roles within complex organisations
• Expertise in organisational development, culture change, and strategic transformation
• Strong analytical and influencing skills, with the ability to engage executive teams and boards
• A passion for inclusive, values-led leadership and creating exceptional employee experiences
• Vision, solutions-based thinking and the ability to drive innovation

At NOC, our mission is to make sense of changing seas for the benefit of humanity. Our people are at the heart of this mission—and we are committed to building a culture that is innovative, diverse, and empowering. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those in underrepresented groups.

If you’re inspired by science, sustainability, and shaping a vibrant organisational culture, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more please click on Apply. If you meet the criteria and would like to have a confidential discussion, please contact our retained partners at GatenbySanderson:

Fiona Wansborough, Partner, Not for Profit Practice [e-mail]

Closing date: 7 July at 9am

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Strategy/Planning, Human Resources, and General Business

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations and Environmental Services

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