Head of Human Resources
Salary: Band 12 - starting salary £45,229 (FTE £56,536) with annual, incremental progression up to £47,973 (FTE £59,966)
Hours: 4 days per week (pattern to be agreed on appointment)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing date: 23rd of August at 11:59pm
Arts University Plymouth is seeking to appoint a Head of Human Resources to lead its Human Resources team.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver the Universitys people agenda. Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, you will provide expert leadership across all aspects of Human Resources, helping the University attract, develop and support talented people while ensuring high standards of employment practice and legal compliance.
Working collaboratively with the Executive, Heads, and Deans office, you will act as a trusted advisor; shaping the organisational culture, enhancing workforce planning, and supporting large-scale change initiatives. You will ensure the HR function remains a high-performing team, one that delivers action-centre value, aligned to the University People Plan and strategic priorities..
While the role has a strong strategic focus, it also requires a hands-on approach. Leading a small HR team, you will combine strategic leadership with operational involvement, evolving the HR service to continually align with the developing Universitys longer-term organisational priorities.
About You:
Be an experienced HR leader with Chartered MCIPD status (or equivalent) and a proven track record of leading people services within a large, complex organisation.
Be confident building trusted relationships with senior leaders, providing credible, balanced advice on complex people issues and influencing decision-making.
Have excellent knowledge of employment legislation, employee relations and HR best practice, with experience of providing clear, accurate advice and guidance.
Enjoy leading and developing teams, driving organisational change and delivering people-focused projects that support strategic objectives.
Be a collaborative, resilient and approachable leader with excellent communication skills, sound judgement and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
About The Role:
You will:
Lead and develop the Human Resources team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused HR services across the University.
Provide strategic HR advice and guidance to colleagues at all levels, supporting the delivery of the University's People Plan and wider organisational strategy.
Oversee complex employee relations matters, organisational change, recruitment, performance management and workforce planning, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and HR best practice.
Build strong partnerships with managers, trade union representatives and external advisers to support effective people management and positive employee engagement.
Drive continuous improvement across HR policies, systems and processes, using data and insight to enhance decision-making and help the University remain an employer of choice.
In return youll receive:
Holiday: 24 (FTE 30) days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, and discretionary efficiency closure days
Pension: Enrolment onto a generous Local Government scheme subject to scheme eligibility with Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
Enhanced family leave: including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay and paid carer's leave
Wellbeing resources:
Access to the UKs Leading Employee Assistance Programme including
Dedicated Quiet Spaces for reflection, prayer, or quiet contemplation
Flexible Working
Discounts: Additional benefits such as
For more information, including essential criteria please access the role profile using this link https://shorturl.at/2aNkX. To find out more about our award-winning independent arts university, what makes us special and why Plymouth provides a spectacular backdrop for our creative community; check out our working here pages www.aup.ac.uk/working-here.
Interviews are expected to take place on the 8th of September, 2026.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the online application form. Please note that we are unable to accept CVs in place of a completed application.
We encourage early applications, as the advert may close prior to the listed closing date due to high levels of interest. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more, please feel free to contact-
Rich Watson, Chief Financial and Operating Officer on [email protected].
The successful candidate will be willing to contribute to our ambitions and international profile as an innovative, sustainable and broadly inclusive arts university.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Arts University Plymouth has a strong commitment to the safeguarding & welfare of young people & vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory DBS check, and you will be required to provide appropriate documentation as part of the onboarding process.
Right to Work
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship. Proof of Right to Work will be required before an offer of employment is made.
Inclusivity
We celebrate equality, diversity and difference, and welcome candidates from all communities, including applications from service people and their families as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Redeployees
In the event that the University has employees eligible for redeployment at the time of shortlisting, for example due to the end of a fixed term contract, these candidates may be entitled to a priority interview.
