The HR Change Consultant will play a critical role in supporting universities through complex organisational change. Working closely with senior leaders, HR teams, and trade union representatives, the postholder will design and deliver people-centred change initiatives that align workforce strategy with institutional priorities, financial sustainability, and the academic mission.
This role is suited to an experienced HR professional with a strong background in organisational change, workforce transformation, and employee relations in a unionised environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesChange & Transformation
- Lead and support organisational change programmes, including restructures, service redesign, operating model changes, and workforce transformation initiatives.
- Develop and implement change plans that balance strategic objectives with employee experience and institutional values.
- Advise leaders on the people implications of change, ensuring equality, diversity, and wellbeing considerations are embedded throughout.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Work collaboratively with senior leaders, academic and professional services managers, HR colleagues, and recognised trade unions.
- Facilitate consultation processes, negotiations, and communications in line with university statutes, policies, and employment legislation.
Employee Relations & Governance
- Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters arising from change programmes.
- Ensure compliance with employment law, collective agreements, and HE best practice.
- Support the preparation of business cases, impact assessments, and governance papers for committees and councils where required.
Workforce Planning & Capability Building
- Contribute to strategic workforce planning, helping institutions move from short-term risk mitigation to sustainable workforce models.
- Support upskilling of HR teams and leaders in change management approaches and tools.
Skills & ExperienceEssential
- Proven experience delivering HR change and organisational development initiatives, ideally within higher education or a similar complex, unionised environment.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, consultation obligations, and collective bargaining.
- Demonstrable experience working with senior stakeholders and influencing at leadership level.
- CIPD qualification (Level 7 or equivalent).
- Experience supporting large-scale workforce planning or transformation programmes.
- Understanding of academic operating models and governance structures.
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