People Director

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckinghamshire New University is seeking a bold, ambitious People Director to translate our talent strategy into action and to drive the people agenda.

You’ll lead organisation-wide transformation, modernise HR through data and AI, and design future-fit structures while developing leaders who empower teams. This role demands strategic vision and practical execution within a university setting.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading HR teams.
• Strategic thinker who challenges the status quo.
• Ability to influence at Executive and Board level.

Responsibilities

• Lead organisation-wide transformation and change.
• Modernise people services through data, digital innovation and AI.
• Design organisational structures fit for the future; develop leaders who inspire and deliver.

Skills

HR leadership

Strategic thinking

People data / analytics

Change management

Executive influence

Education

Chartered CIPD or HR equivalent

Job description

• Is confident making courageous decisions

Let’s be honest. If you’re looking for a role focused on policies, forms and process management, this probably isn’t it. If you’re excited by building talent, shaping culture, challenging convention and helping create one of the most exciting modern universities in the UK, keep reading.

At Bucks New University, we’re on a mission to deliver our strategic vision, Our Focus, and we’re looking for a bold, ambitious and people-centred leader to join our team as People Director You’ll be the architect of operationalising our talent strategy and the driving force behind our people agenda.

You’ll: lead organisation-wide transformation and change; modernise people services through data, digital innovation and AI, design organisational structures fit for the future; develop leaders who inspire, empower and deliver. Ultimately you will help make Bucks New recognised as an outstanding place to work

As we’re not looking to fit in with the higher education status quo and are challenging it by doing things differently, we’re looking for someone who will too. As part of the application process, we invite you to create your own Job Profile for the People Director role, showing us how you would shape, prioritise and define the position to deliver maximum impact for Bucks New University

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Can demonstrate impact through their significant experience of leading HR teams
• Thinks strategically but acts pragmatically, challenging 'the way we've always done it'
• Can influence at Executive and Board level
• Is confident making courageous decisions
• Uses People data and insight to drive action
• Has led successful cultural and organisational transformation
• Understands the realities of working in a unionised environment
• Is passionate about developing talent and leadership
• Sees AI and digital innovation as opportunities, not threats
• Has Chartered status of the CIPD or equivalent HR experience

Why join Bucks New University?

Because higher education matters. Because talent changes lives.

Because culture drives performance.

Because transformation is never delivered by systems alone, it's delivered by people.

And because you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of an ambitious university where people, purpose and potential come together.

If you’re a people leader who can combine strategic vision, commercial thinking, organisational development expertise and a passion for unlocking human potential, we’d love to hear from you

If you're considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.

Closing Date: Friday 25th September 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 8th October 2026