Sheffield Hallam University
Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Sheffield Hallam University Seeks Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development
Sheffield Hallam University is seeking an outstanding people leader to shape its workforce, culture, and organisational capability during an important period in its development.
Sheffield Hallam is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities, with around 31,000 students, 3,700 colleagues, and more than 330,000 alumni. Its purpose is simple: to transform lives. Through applied education, research, and partnerships, the University addresses real-world challenges and makes a significant contribution to Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and beyond.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, the Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development will be a member of the University Executive Board. They will lead the University’s people agenda and contribute fully to institution-wide strategy, planning, and decision-making, ensuring that people considerations are central to the choices Sheffield Hallam makes.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Executive Director will lead the HR and Organisational Development Directorate, encompassing workforce strategy and planning, organisational development, employee and industrial relations, resourcing and reward, people policy, payroll, pensions, and HR administration. They will continue to develop an effective and trusted service, closely connected to the University’s academic and operational priorities.
A central focus will be shaping Sheffield Hallam’s future workforce strategy and strengthening organisational design, leadership capability, career development, and performance. The successful candidate will also lead the University’s approach to employee relations, building constructive relationships with recognised trade unions and supporting the institution through continuing change.
Candidates will bring substantial senior HR leadership experience gained in a large, complex, and unionised organisation. They will have led people strategy, organisational change, and the delivery of high-quality HR and organisational development services. Strong experience of employee relations, workforce transformation, and advising at executive and Board level will be essential. Sheffield Hallam welcomes candidates from other complex organisations who can build trust, influence across professional boundaries, and connect people strategy with organisational performance and financial sustainability.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
This is an opportunity to join a university with a strong public purpose, a distinctive place in its region, and clear ambition for the future. Sheffield Hallam is looking for a visible, thoughtful, and collaborative leader who will listen carefully and provide confidence and direction for its next phase.
Full details and applications can be made at https://candidate.andersonquigley.com/Sheffield-Hallam-University-Executive-Director-of-HR-and-OD.
The closing date for applications is noon, Monday 19 October 2026.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London