University of Cambridge
Head of HR - School of Clinical Medicine
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Contract: Permanent
Salary: £69,488 - £80,525 per annum
Location: Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with hybrid working
Working Pattern: Full Time
Are you an experienced HR leader looking to shape the people strategy of one of the world's leading centres for clinical research, education and healthcare partnership?
We're seeking an exceptional Head of HR to lead the people agenda for the School of Clinical Medicine. As the most senior HR professional supporting the School, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across a large, complex and continually evolving environment, working closely with senior academic leaders, professional services colleagues, NHS partners and research organisations.
About The Role
Reporting to the Assistant Director of HR, you'll be responsible for developing and delivering the School's people strategy, ensuring it supports the ambitions of the School, the wider University and key external partners.
This is a highly influential leadership role where you'll work with senior stakeholders to identify workforce risks, opportunities and emerging trends, translating these into practical and innovative HR solutions. You'll lead significant organisational change programmes, oversee the delivery of a full range of HR services, and help foster a positive, inclusive culture where people can thrive.
A unique aspect of the role is responsibility for the University's medical workforce service, supporting clinical staff across the University and working closely with NHS partners. Success will require balancing the strategic priorities of the School, University and NHS while delivering excellent people outcomes.
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What you'll be doing
- Leading the development and implementation of the School's people strategy.
- Driving organisational change, transformation and workforce planning initiatives.
- Ensuring high-quality delivery across HR business partnering, employee relations, resourcing and HR operations.
- Advising on complex, sensitive and high-risk people matters.
- Developing innovative HR policies and practices that support organisational objectives.
- Leading major HR and organisational development projects.
- Building strong relationships with senior leaders, NHS partners, trade unions and external stakeholders.
- Providing leadership and direction to the School's HR teams and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
We're looking for someone who has
- Significant senior HR leadership experience within a large and complex organisation.
- A strong track record of leading organisational change and implementing people strategies.
- Experience contributing to organisation-wide strategy, planning and transformation programmes.
- The ability to analyse complex issues at both strategic and operational levels and develop creative, practical solutions.
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
- Experience building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries.
- Strong people leadership skills, with an energising, collaborative and inclusive approach.
- Chartered CIPD membership or equivalent senior-level experience.
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Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead the HR function within one of the UK's most prestigious and influential biomedical institutions.
Alongside working in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, the University of Cambridge offers:
- The opportunity to influence strategic decisions at the highest level.
- Excellent professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Generous pension provision and 41 days annual leave including public holidays.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- A comprehensive range of health, wellbeing and family-friendly benefits.
Closing date: Thursday 8 October 2026
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
For this role, applications will be managed by Spirehouse Recruitment. To apply, please send your CV to cambridge@spirehouse.co.uk. For further information, please contact Abbie Carr at abbie@spirehouse.co.uk.
Please quote reference AH51071 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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