Head of HR Shared Service [Temporary Cover]

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term until 28 February 2026 or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

The University of Cambridge ranks consistently amongst the foremost Universities in the world and we recognise that it is our people who have built our reputation. We will only maintain our leading position in the academic world by continuing to attract, develop, support and retain the highest calibre of talented people. Central to this is our HR Shared Services team who are responsible for the delivery of Contracts and HR administration, immigration and Compliance services, the Temporary Employment Services (the University's in-house employment agency), management of casual workers and the HR Systems Helpdesk. We are now seeking to appoint a Head of the HR Shared Services to lead and drive forward the Shared Services team during a challenging yet exciting period of transformation for the Division and the wider academic University.  This appointment will be made on a fixed-term basis to provide temporary cover for the current postholder who has been seconded to lead the HR Transformation Programme.

As Head of HR Shared Services, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, development and operational performance of HR Shared Services, working in collaboration with the HR Division and wider University to drive consistent delivery and customer services whilst embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the service.  With demonstrable people management skills and experience, you will lead, manage and develop staff within the service, ensuring that all team members are equipped to deliver a service which is aligned to meet the requirements and culture of the University and its commitment to excellence.  We will look to you to provide expert advise and support to departments on relevant procedures, whilst ensuring that the University delivers against our statutory and compliance requirements in a range of key HR functions.

Educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience, you will join us with comprehensive knowledge of HR Services, underpinned by a strong understanding of relevant HR Services technology, systems and processes. You will have proven ability to manage, motivate and develop multi-disciplined teams in a large-scale organisation, providing a clear vision and direction in a regularly evolving landscape. As part of the Human Resources senior management team, key to your success in the role will be your ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels across, analyse problems at a strategic and operational level, identify a range of creative, innovative solutions, which will add value to the organisation.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, and a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/47361.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Thuy Niven, Deputy Director of HR at Thuy.Niven@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The interview date is Thursday 8^th August.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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