Job Description

Head of HR & People

Chelmsford or Cambridge

47,124

35 hours per week

Lead Union's HR and People team, ensuring effective support is provided to staff at all levels. Enable managers to recruit effectively, manage and develop cohesive teams and retain great people who demonstrate our values. Have overall strategic responsibility for the continual development of Union's HR strategy. Be an active member of the Union Steering Group responsible for key Union decisions. This position will ensure there is a positive workplace culture, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership team liaising closely with the CEO.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead the design and implementation of Union's people-focused initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic and organisational priorities across all campuses.

Oversee all stages of employment, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and compliance with employment law, right-to-work and visa requirements.

Ensure HR policies, contracts, and the Staff Handbook remain current, legally compliant, and consistently applied.

Provide expert leadership on employee relations, including grievances, wellbeing, welfare, and constructive engagement with Trade Union representatives.

Design and implement staff learning, development and retention initiatives that support capability building and a positive workplace culture.

Lead on reward, payroll and benefits, including liaison with university finance and external payroll providers.

What You'll Bring:

Experience of working in a HR related management role.

Line management experience.

Knowledge of up-to-date HR legislation.

Experience of using digital platforms to manage HR processes and produce management reports.

Excellent communications, time management and prioritising skills.

Understanding of and commitment to the principles of equal opportunities.

Why Work With Us?

You will be joining Union as we move forward from our former identity as ARU Students' Union, this new chapter represents a pivotal moment for our organisation.

Our people are central to everything we do. As we develop the next phase of our strategy, we are investing in the culture, capability, and wellbeing of our teams so they can deliver exceptional experiences for ARU students. This moment of transformation offers a rare opportunity for a Head of HR and People to lead meaningful organisational development, shaping our systems, strengthening our culture, and supporting our people to thrive.

The closing date for this is Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11:59pm.

In person interviews will be held on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd January.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 47,124.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cambridge CB1 1PT