Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Sheffield Hallam University; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sheffield Hallam University is seeking an outstanding people leader to shape its workforce, culture and organisational capability during an important period in its development.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and sitting on the University Executive Board, the Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development will lead the University's people agenda and strategy, shaping design and capability across the institution.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior HR leadership experience in a large complex organisation.
• Proven ability to lead workforce strategy, organisational development and employee relations.
• Experience advising at executive and board level and partnering with trade unions.
• Track record of aligning people strategy with organisational performance and financial sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR and Organisational Development Directorate and oversee workforce planning and policy.
• Shape Sheffield Hallam University’s people agenda, culture and organisational design.
• Build constructive relationships with trade unions and senior stakeholders to support change.
• Drive leadership capability, performance and sustainable delivery across the university.

Job description

Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Human Resources & Org Development

Other

Sheffield Hallam University is seeking an outstanding people leader to shape its workforce, culture and organisational capability during an important period in its development.

Sheffield Hallam is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities, with around 31,000 students, 3,700 colleagues and more than 330,000 alumni. Its purpose is simple: to transform lives. Through applied education, research and partnerships, the University addresses real-world challenges and makes a significant contribution to Sheffield, South Yorkshire and beyond.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, the Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development will be a member of the University Executive Board. They will lead the University’s people agenda and contribute fully to institution-wide strategy, planning and decision-making, ensuring that people considerations are central to the choices Sheffield Hallam makes.

The Executive Director will lead the HR and Organisational Development Directorate, encompassing workforce strategy and planning, organisational development, employee and industrial relations, resourcing and reward, people policy, payroll, pensions and HR administration. They will continue to develop an effective and trusted service, closely connected to the University’s academic and operational priorities.

A central focus will be shaping Sheffield Hallam’s future workforce strategy and strengthening organisational design, leadership capability, career development and performance. The successful candidate will also lead the University’s approach to employee relations, building constructive relationships with recognised trade unions and supporting the institution through continuing change.

Candidates will bring substantial senior HR leadership experience gained in a large, complex and unionised organisation. They will have led people strategy, organisational change and the delivery of high-quality HR and organisational development services. Strong experience of employee relations, workforce transformation and advising at executive and Board level will be essential. Sheffield Hallam welcomes candidates from other complex organisations who can build trust, influence across professional boundaries and connect people strategy with organisational performance and financial sustainability.

This is an opportunity to join a university with a strong public purpose, a distinctive place in its region and clear ambition for the future. Sheffield Hallam is looking for a visible, thoughtful and collaborative leader who will listen carefully and provide confidence and direction for its next phase.

The closing date for applications is noon, Monday 19 October 2026.

For this job, we particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic applicants who are underrepresented in this type of role at Sheffield Hallam.