Head of People Partnering (Strategic Projects and Transformation) (Newcastle, GB)

Newcastle University is a renowned institution committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, boasting an impressive array of benefits for its employees. Candidates considering this Head of People Partnering, Strategic Projects and Transformation role will find an organisation that truly values its people, offering a generous holiday package with the flexibility to purchase additional leave, excellent pension schemes, and a comprehensive suite of health and wellbeing initiatives.

This is a significant and newly created leadership position within People Services, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of driving the University's strategic transformation agenda. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of People Partnering, playing a pivotal role in defining, resourcing, and delivering the people dimensions of large-scale transformation programmes across both Professional Services and Faculties.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This role is instrumental in shaping the future of Newcastle University. You will be directly involved in aligning people strategies with the University's overarching transformation goals, ensuring that the people aspect of change is not an afterthought, but a driver of success.
• Leadership and Development: You will have the opportunity to design and implement a governance framework for the People Services Leadership Team and foster an effective delivery structure. This involves leading and developing a high-performing local People Services team, focusing on enhancing capability and engagement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The position acts as a central hub, facilitating seamless coordination across People Services and acting as a key conduit into various Transformation Programme Workstreams. This ensures consistent oversight and strong stakeholder engagement at all levels.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond the professional growth, Newcastle University offers attractive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, excellent pension schemes, and a strong focus on employee health and wellbeing.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Newcastle University is dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment. This is reflected in their commitment to being a University of Sanctuary, their active recruitment of diverse talent, and their recognition through awards like the Athena Swan Gold award and Race Equality Charter Bronze award. They are also a Disability Confident employer.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Experience in Transformation: The role demands a proven track record in leading people-focused transformation within complex organisations. Candidates will need to demonstrate strong experience in organizational design, project management, and stakeholder engagement, with a clear ability to align people and culture initiatives with institutional goals.
• Strategic HR Expertise: A deep understanding of HR best practices, coupled with the ability to contribute to strategy development and manage complex, contentious people issues, is essential. Experience in the Higher Education sector is desirable.
• Influencing and Negotiation Skills: The ability to influence senior stakeholders, lead negotiations with trade unions, and build robust, productive working relationships across all levels of the organisation will be crucial for success.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Candidates should be comfortable manipulating and interpreting complex people data to inform strategic decisions and drive organisational outcomes.
• Resilience and Proactivity: Operating effectively across multiple workstreams, influencing change, and maintaining clarity, integrity, and impact requires a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, strong professional resilience, and the ability to embrace challenges with a creative approach.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and strategic People Services professional to make a significant and lasting contribution to Newcastle University's journey of transformation, fostering a modern, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture.