Head of HR Natural Sciences

What you would be doing

As the Head of HR, you will operate as the HR subject matter expert for Natural Sciences, providing high-level people management, support and development whilst advocating on behalf of all stakeholders within Natural Sciences when collaborating and providing input to colleagues across the HR Division. You will report to the Deputy HR Director (HR Partnering & Reward) and will also work closely with the Natural Sciences Faculty Operating Officer and other Heads of HR. 

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide a high level of proactive, creative, and innovative strategic support and guidance to all Departments within Natural Sciences, including academic departments, research centres, and central Natural Sciences professional services teams.
• Provide solutions, advice, recommendations and interventions to key stakeholders and contacts on employment matters whilst also influencing management and leadership in alignment with the People Strategy in order to maximise service performance.
• Identify HR priorities from the university and local departmental plans, translating business requirements into effective HR practices and delivering people solutions aligned to business objectives and strategies.
• Lead, develop, and implement people strategy/plans and objectives in liaison with OD&I teams to deliver results reflecting environmental demands and best practice both locally and institutionally.
• Be purpose driven to lead the HR vision whilst always maintaining and role modelling exceptional leadership.
• Develop and implement local strategies to facilitate optimal attraction, retention, engagement, and development of people by understanding the business and displaying inspiring leadership.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the legal framework within which HR operates and keep up to date with external trends, in addition to contributing to the development of HR policies in line with current legislation and best practice.
• Take proactive measures to resolve complex departmental challenges where a nuanced approach and a high level of interpersonal skills may be required to mitigate risk.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a proven and significant level of HR and business experience within a large complex organisation, ideally within the Higher Education Sector or professional services environment.

To succeed in this role, you will possess the following experience and knowledge –

• Experience of developing and implementing a HR strategy.
• Demonstrable experience handling organisational change.
• Experience of workforce planning, succession planning and talent management.
• Experience of improving engagement and retention of people.
• Experience of embedding a successful equality, diversity, and inclusion strategy.
• In depth knowledge and experience of ER issues.
• Experience of coaching and collaborating with senior management.
• Strong in-depth knowledge of HR policies, practices, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of employment legislation and its application.

The key to your success in this role will be underpinned by your ability to build relationships and drive decision making through insight, effective engagement, and influence. You will be customer focused, have strong communication skills, sound judgement, and the confidence to make significant decisions. You will embody the university’s Values and Behaviours in all aspects of your work, collaboration, and delivery.

Further information

Candidates wishing to be considered for this role should complete an online application.

Should you require any further details on the role, please contact:

Audrey Fraser (audrey.fraser@imperial.ac.uk) for an informal chat.

Advert information