Closing Date: 31 October 2018

The University of Portsmouth is one of the UK’s most successful modern universities, ranked within the top 500 of universities in the world by Times Higher Education and in the top 25 UK universities by the Guardian University Guide 2019. The University is on a strong upwards trajectory as a TEF Gold institution with the National Student Survey 2018 placing Portsmouth in the top 20 of UK Universities with student satisfaction at 88%. Portsmouth has around 2,800 staff and 23,000 students including 4,000 from 150 countries around the world. The University operates in several countries and has ambitious plans to grow the scope and diversity of its overseas operations.

The University is seeking an exceptional Human Resources leader, this presents an exciting opportunity to lead one of the country’s most innovative and dynamic universities through a period of change. The chosen candidate will be involved in setting the University’s future ambitions through contributing to the development of the new University 2020-25 strategy, including leading on the People Strategy. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director will also act as a trusted advisor to the Vice-Chancellor and be a member of the University’s Executive Board.

Candidates will have significant experience of successfully leading a HR function within a complex organisation where efficiency, high quality service and excellent performance are paramount, with people at the heart of organisational success. Strategic vision, aligned to firm values, will be essential to success. Candidates will also have the personal credibility, expertise, communication, negotiation and people skills to effect and manage change and contribute to senior level decision making across all University business. The successful candidate will demonstrate an in depth understanding of the ways in which effective HR leadership contributes to future organisational success, as well as a sound and up to date grasp of the HR policy environment.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Portsmouth on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference KACZD. Applications should be received by noon on 31 October.