Interim Director of People - UOD2112

University of Dundee; Dundee; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Scotland is seeking an experienced Interim People Director to guide the organization through a critical period of change. The role demands extensive HR leadership experience and operational expertise to support key decision-making and ensure the stability of ongoing people programs. The ideal candidate will provide strong leadership during this transitional phase and prepare for a smooth handover to the incoming permanent director. Applications close on 17th December 2025.

Benefits

Flexible work policies

Inclusive workplace initiatives

Qualifications

• Extensive HR leadership experience at Director or Deputy Director level in a complex organisation.
• Proven track record of leading through organisational change and financial constraint.
• Ability to quickly assess priorities and keep essential work on track.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership of the People Directorate temporarily.
• Ensure continuity of delivery across workforce planning and people governance.
• Support the Executive with high-quality advice on people and culture.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Strategic operational HR expertise

Ability to build trust with stakeholders

Values-led leadership style

Political awareness

Resilience

Job description

Posted on 9 December 2025 | Reference: UOD2112

The University of Dundee is navigating a period of significant organisational change and financial recovery. While we appoint a permanent Director of People, we are seeking an experienced and highly capable Interim People Director to provide steady leadership, strategic continuity, and expert guidance during this critical transition phase.

This interim leader will ensure momentum is maintained across key programmes, support the Executive in making informed and timely people decisions, and help stabilise and strengthen the organisation until the permanent appointment is in post.

The Interim People Director will:

• Provide calm, expert leadership of the People Directorate (HR, OD, Talent, EDI and Reward) on a temporary basis.
• Ensure continuity of delivery across workforce planning, organisational change and people governance.
• Support the Principal & Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Group with high-quality advice on people, culture and organisational matters.
• Lead or oversee critical change, redesign and efficiency programmes already underway.
• Maintain constructive and transparent engagement with trade unions and staff networks during a sensitive period.
• Offer pragmatic solutions to complex employee relations and workforce challenges.
• Ensure HR operations remain effective, compliant and customer focused.
• Provide stability and confidence for leaders, managers and staff while the permanent Director is recruited.
• Prepare high-quality handover materials and transition plans for the incoming permanent postholder.

You will be a highly capable interim senior HR leader with:

• Extensive HR leadership experience at Director or Deputy Director level in a large, complex organisation.
• A proven track record of leading through organisational change and financial constraint.
• Strong strategic and operational HR expertise - workforce planning, restructuring, ER, reward and OD.
• Ability to rapidly build trust with senior stakeholders, trade unions and staff communities.
• A steady, values-led leadership style suited to periods of uncertainty.
• High levels of political awareness, sound judgement and resilience.
• An ability to quickly assess priorities, stabilise delivery, and keep essential work on track.
• Higer Education experience is welcomed but not essential, we are open to senior HR interims from complex public, third sector or regulated environments.

Why This Interim Role Matters

This is a defining moment for the University. Your leadership will ensure:

• continuity of critical people programmes
• stability and confidence for staff
• disciplined workforce decision-making during financial recovery
• a smooth handover to the future permanent Director of People.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 17th December 2025.

The diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our talented staff and students help to drive the University of Dundee's global success and research innovation. We are proud to hold memberships of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall, and we offer networks for BME, LGBT and disabled staff, a range of disability and counselling services, and flexible, hybrid and family-friendly work policies, ensuring our community enjoy a welcome, supportive and inclusive workplace.

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