Director of Human Resources Ref: C167
School/department: Human Resources Division
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Reference: C167
Salary: Competitive
Placed on: 05 September 2022
Closing date: 07 October 2022 at 5pm (UK).
Expected interview date: Late November 2022
Expected start date: Negotiable
Job description
Having challenged convention since its foundation in 1961, the University of Sussex was created to be life-changing for its students, to deliver progressive research that fosters field-leading expertise, improves our teaching, and impacts the world beyond the university. Our modernist campus, progressive academics and creative professional services staff inspire students who choose to learn and live here. With expressions of radicalism, critical thinking and, at times, dissent, the University of Sussex has a long tradition of academic experimentation and innovation. Building on our strong foundations, we have been reimagining the pioneering spirit of the original purpose of our University to ensure it is fit for new times and a new generation.
Sussex is proudly international in our outlook and intake, ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2022. From the first Mandela scholarships in the 1970s, to our pioneering role in the establishment of Erasmus, Sussex has been internationally minded from its inception. We host 4,500 students from over 130 countries annually and welcome one of the largest UK communities of prestigious Chevening Scholars to our campus.
Following the recent appointment of Professor Sasha Roseneil as the ninth Vice-Chancellor, Sussex has reaffirmed its commitment to creating and sustaining a cohesive and inclusive community with equality, diversity and inclusion at its core, alongside ensuring that the University is a leading player in the transition to a more equitable, environmentally sustainable, post-carbon future. To help deliver on these ambitions and navigate an ever-changing policy, economic, and cultural landscape, we are seeking a Director of Human Resources to work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, the senior team, and the whole Sussex community.
A key member of the University Executive, reporting to the COO, the Director will drive and lead transformational change across the HR Division to deliver an agile and responsive service, ensuring that the University’s people strategies enable delivery of the University’s vision and align with the University’s values.
With significant HR leadership experience gained in an organisation of relevant scale and complexity, the successful candidate will possess a proven track record of modernising and introducing innovative approaches to the design and delivery of HR services and developing a people-orientated high-performance culture. We are seeking a strategic thinker who is forward-thinking and results-orientated, with excellent communication skills and stakeholder management experience. They will have knowledge of all aspects of HR leadership including employment law, industrial relations and digital HR practices, as well as experience of developing sector leading HR policies.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual who is genuinely committed to the mission and ethos of the University of Sussex and the wider purpose and values of higher education to make a significant impact, at the most senior levels, within a truly world-leading, world-changing university.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
You can find out more about our values and our EDI Strategy, Inclusive Sussex, on our webpages.
Download job description and person specification Ref C167 [PDF 5.47MB]
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed from the UK.
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How to apply
Please contact our recruitment partners Odgers Berndtson here to learn more and submit an application