Director of People

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.

Full Time, Permanent

Hybrid working across all campuses, 4 days a week on campus 

Are you an exceptional HR leader who thrives in complex environments and can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence?

Royal Holloway is seeking an outstanding Director of People to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our University. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the People, Culture and Transformation function, leading a broad portfolio including employee and industrial relations, strategic business partnering, workforce planning, HR transformation and service modernisation.

This is an opportunity to influence at the highest levels of the institution. Working closely with senior leaders, trade unions and colleagues across the University, you will help translate ambitious strategic priorities into practical, sustainable outcomes for our people and organisation.

We're looking for a credible and experienced people leader with a strong track record of leading large-scale HR operations, navigating complex employee relations challenges, driving organisational change and building high-performing teams. You will be confident operating in politically nuanced environments, able to balance competing priorities, and committed to delivering an exceptional people experience.

In return, you'll join an ambitious People, Culture and Transformation Directorate with a clear vision, a collaborative leadership team and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the UK's leading universities.

Help us create a workplace where people and performance thrive together.

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 

Please quote the reference: 0926-305

Closing Date: 23:59, 30 September 2026  

Interview Date: 15 October 2026

Royal Holloway is committed to equality and diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. Read here about structures and initiatives around equality and diversity, including information on staff diversity networks. 

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.

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.