Job Description

Deputy Director of People & Organisational Development
Location:
Cardiff
Sector:
Job type:
Salary:
Up to 68528.00 per annum + Hybrid Working
Contact:
Branwen Johns
Email:
Branwen.Johns@yolkrecruitment.com
Job ref:
BBBH39331
Published:
about 12 hours ago
Duration:
9 Months FTC
Expiry date:
03 August 2025
Start date:
ASAP
Deputy Director of People & Organisational Development
Location: South Wales - Hybrid Working (Roughly 2 days at home, 3 on site)
Sector: Higher Education
Salary: Starting Salary: 68,528 per annum pro rata
Contract: FTC 9 Months Full-time (37 hours per week)
Reports to: Director of People and OD
Direct Reports:

• Head of People Partnering and Operations
• People Data and Systems Insights Manager
• Transformation HR Business Partners X 2
• Employee Relations and Policy Manager

About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and strategic Deputy Director of People & OD to join our client who is a large education provider in South Wales where you will play a pivotal role in supporting the University's Transformation Programme. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the institution by leading on complex organisational change in a large, dynamic environment.
This role is responsible for leading the Employee Relations Strategy and will drive transformational change and people practice. Acting as the lead advisor on employee relations. Driving performance improvements through continuous review of the People & OD service provided and through engagement with stakeholders
In this role you will be responsible for:

• Providing inspirational leadership, strategic direction, and operational management to the People & OD function, fostering transformation and continuous improvement across key teams.
• Act as the lead advisor on all aspects of employee relations, including complex case management, dispute resolution, pay, pensions, terms and conditions, and employment matters.
• Lead efforts to embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and well-being across all people practices, aligning with wider organisational transformation.
• Build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with Trade Unions, promoting open communication, consultation, and effective partnership working.
• Champion initiatives that amplify the employee voice, strengthen engagement, and foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
• Oversee contracts and performance of Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providers, ensuring service effectiveness and value for money.
• Drive the transformation of HR operations, streamlining workflows related to recruitment, case and contract management, job evaluation, and implementation of HR audit recommendations.
• Lead the People Systems, Analytics, and Insight function, ensuring strategies align with organisational priorities and deliver actionable insights.
• Design and implement a gold-standard HR service model, focusing on customer experience, modern people practices, digital innovation, and sector benchmarking.

Essential Criteria for the role:

• Level 7 qualification in Human Resource Management (CIPD or equivalent), or substantial experience in a senior HR leadership role.
• CIPD professional membership or willingness to work towards it.
• Proven experience in leading and managing diverse HR and OD teams, including delivering cross-departmental programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with Trade Unions in a partnership-based approach.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and case law, with the ability to apply legal principles in advice and decision-making.
• Significant experience leading people systems and data strategies to enhance service delivery, user experience, and performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to use organisational and workforce data to shape initiatives, monitor outcomes, and support evidence-based decision-making.

How you'll be rewarded

• Salary of 68,528 (Per annum, pro rata)

• Flexible and hybrid working
• 35 days annual leave
• Access to generous pension scheme
• Access to sports centre, catering outlets, learning resource centre and staff discounts

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Branwen Johns on 07458163873 and email a copy of your CV
Deadline for CVs is July 13th Midnight. Interviews are to be held on the 18th July