Director of People

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham offers a unique and historic setting, a global outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, and a warm and inclusive community. Our refreshed University Strategy (2017–2027) sets ambitious goals for delivering transformative education and research and our community of highly talented people are critical to its success.

Do not pass up this chance, apply quickly if your experience and skills match what is in the following description.

As the new Director of People, reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will ensure excellent and progressive HR practices and approaches in support of our institutional strategy, and the development and implementation of our current People Strategy, as well as supporting the shaping of a new People strategy. As the nominated deputy for the Chief People Officer, you will have primary responsibility for employee relations (via the Business Partner Team), the University’s Occupational Health service, talent acquisition and associated compliance activities. You will also be the HR lead for equality, diversity and inclusion and will support the CPO and senior university colleagues in the management of trade union relations.

CIPD qualified or with an equivalent professional qualification, to apply you will have considerable experience of leadership of diverse teams of professional staff within a HR / People function (or aligned discipline), including business partnering or ER specialists. You will also be able to demonstrate a track record of leading successful change projects, advising on complex employee relations issues, and of working with employee representative structures. You will have an analytical approach, capable of interpreting data to support decision and solutions and of designing effective solutions to complex problems.

This is a critical appointment for the University and if you are passionate about delivering excellence with a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Emma Wilkins at emma@dixonwalter.co.uk

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Applications should be made via email to emma@dixonwalter.co.uk and must include on separate documents :

• a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the person specification
• a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
• details of three referees and notice period (referees will not be contacted without your permission)
• a completed Personal Details Form (available above)

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Tuesday 23 September 2025

Longlist interviews with Dixon Walter via Microsoft Teams will take place w / c 6 October

Final interviews will take place on campus on Wednesday 5 November

In making an application for this role we ask you also to view our Privacy Notice which outlines our compliance to General Data Protection Regulations and the use and storage of your data. Personal Data is held and processed on the lawful basis that such action is in the Legitimate Interest of the company in pursuing the purposes described and has been considered through the use of a Legitimate Interest Assessment utilising the Balance Test to not be outweighed by risks to the rights, freedoms and interests of the Data Subject.

Please note that our client is legally obliged to confirm that the appointee is eligible to work in the UK. As of 1 January 2021, government restrictions have changed. For further information visit the Home Office website at http : / / www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk / workingintheuk

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