Director of Human Resources (Interim)

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

This is a Fixed-Term post to cover a period of between nine to twelve months. 

Royal Holloway, University of London is seeking to appoint an exceptional Interim Director of Human Resources during a pivotal period of transformation. As we deliver on our RH2030s vision to be a University of social purpose, this role will be instrumental in enabling a high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture right across the University.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Business and People Services and working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and the Provost, you will provide executive-level support for the reimagining of our academic provision and professional services. This includes providing strategic leadership across all aspects of Human Resources and organisational development, and proactive championing of workforce planning, employee engagement and equality, diversity and inclusion.  

You will lead the reshaping of our Human Resources function to support organisational change, financial sustainability and service excellence. 

We are looking for a strong and empathetic leader with significant HR experience in complex environments, ideally within higher education. You will bring deep knowledge of employment law, a strong track record of successfully managing change, and the ability to build trusted relationships with trade unions and senior stakeholders in a robust environment.

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact at a time of bold ambition and cross-institutional change.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution 
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing. 
• Free parking 

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London. However, the post holder may be required to work at any of the locations at which the business of Royal Holloway is conducted, including our central London locations.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Stephen McAuliffe, Executive Director of Business and People Services on stephen.mcauliffe@rhul.ac.uk or +44 (0)1784 911826. 

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk.  

Please quote the reference: 0525-121

Closing Date:  23:59, 13 June 2025 

Interview Date: Interviews will be held on campus on 17 June 2025  

This position is not eligible for hybrid working.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.