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Director of People and Culture

Cardiff University Main Building

We are now seeking to appoint an exceptional leader to the role of Director of People and Culture.

Cardiff University was established in 1883. Our motto, Gwirionedd, Undod a Chytgord - ‘Truth, Unity and Concord’ - sets out our founding commitment to work together to make a positive and lasting difference to our communities and continues to express our commitment today.

We are one of the largest universities in the UK and a member of the Russell Group. Our vision is to be a world-leading, research-excellent, and educationally outstanding global university with a transformative social, cultural and economic impact for Cardiff, Wales, the UK and the world. We are firmly grounded in our sense of place. As the largest university in Wales – and a major employer, with more than 7,000 staff – we work with society, industry and government to help overcome the most urgent challenges of our times.

Now is an exciting time to join the University, following the recent arrival of our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner who took up her position in September 2023. The first woman in the history of Cardiff University to hold this position, Professor Larner’s leadership marks the start of a new phase of strategic development for the University.

The role

We are now seeking to appoint an exceptional leader to the role of Director of People and Culture.

As a key member of the University’s Executive Board, reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the postholder will provide strategic leadership and vision to develop the organisation’s people strategy and performance culture, championing the wellbeing and working lives of Cardiff University staff. They will support the development of the University Strategy, ensuring people and culture sit at its core, providing leadership through significant change.

Candidates will need to demonstrate significant senior operational experience, relevant to HR with the ability to create and sustain an innovative professionally customer focused team, in addition to proven experience of implementing successful organisation wide change management initiatives and formulating strategic plans that reflect and support the priority needs of the University.

Salary: Cardiff University will offer an attractive salary, commensurate with experience, for a highly talented postholder in this role. Cardiff offers 37 days per annum of annual leave, and a USS pension. Relocation expenses (up to a maximum of £8,000) will be available for candidates moving to Cardiff.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.

How to apply

For further details, including a job description, person specification and information on how to apply, please visit Perrett Laver website, quoting reference 7270.

The closing date for applications is at 09:00 BST on Monday 29 April 2024.

Location: Cardiff