Head of Global Mobility

UKRI; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research and innovation organization in Greater London is seeking a Head of Global Mobility. In this pivotal role, you will develop and implement a global mobility strategy to facilitate international collaboration and workforce agility. You will ensure compliance with employment laws and develop policies for international assignments. Excellent leadership skills and a degree in HR or a related field are required. The role offers a defined benefit pension scheme along with generous leave and flexible work options.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days' annual leave

Employee assistance programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading global mobility in a complex organization.
• Demonstrates awareness of international employment law and compliance.
• Experience managing external service providers and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement UKRIs global mobility framework.
• Champion international collaboration as an enabler of strategic objectives.
• Develop policies for international assignments and visas.

Skills

HR Management

International Collaboration

Problem-solving

Stakeholder Management

Financial Data Interpretation

Education

Degree in HR, Business, or Law

Job description

About the role

UKRI is committed to fostering a globally connected research and innovation ecosystem. As Head of Global Mobility, you will spearhead the development and delivery of UKRIs global mobility strategy, enabling seamless international collaboration, talent exchange, and workforce agility across borders. This role is pivotal in advancing UKRIs ambition to be a confident, efficient, and agile world-class organisation.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement UKRIs global mobility framework aligned with existing frameworks such as the International Strategic Framework as well as with any future People & Culture Strategies and People Plans remaining responsive to UKRIs evolving organisational priorities.
• Champion international collaboration and workforce mobility as enablers of UKRIs six strategic objectives.
• Develop policies and guidance on international assignments, secondments, visas, and cross-border working.
• Ensure compliance with UK and international employment, immigration, and tax regulations.
• Build strategic relationships with global research institutions, funding bodies, and government agencies to facilitate mobility pathways.
• Collaborate with HR, Legal, and Research Councils to support international recruitment and retention.
• Lead the delivery of mobility services including relocation support, cultural integration, and risk management.
• Monitor and evaluate mobility programmes to ensure impact, equity, and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Degree in HR, Business, Law or related field or equivalent experience (S).
• Proven experience and ability to lead in an evolving global mobility environment, international HR, within a complex organisation. Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement (S & I).
• Demonstrates awareness and working knowledge of international employment law and cross-border compliance, with the ability to identify when and how to seek expert guidance (S & I).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the creativity and flexibility to deliver bespoke solutions in non‑standard scenarios (I).
• Experience managing external service providers and contracts (S & I).
• Track record of influencing internal / external stakeholders and driving strategic change. Programme management skills (S & I).
• Familiarity with public sector governance and compliance frameworks (S & I).
• Numerate, with the ability to interpret financial data and contribute to cost modelling and budget planning for mobility programmes (I).
• Strong written communication & interpersonal skills, capable of drafting policies, procedures, and senior‑level briefings with clarity and precision (I).
• Previous experience managing or advising on immigration matters, including visa sponsorship, tax and compliance. Previous experience in global mobility, including international assignments, postings, or secondments (S & I).

Benefits

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.
• Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

Additional Information

For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact. Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visithttps : / / www.gov.uk / skilled-worker-visa / how-much-it-costs or contact.