Overview
Lancaster University is a leading global research institution, rooted in its local community and defined by academic excellence and a strong sense of purpose. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and internationally, and recognised with a TEF Gold award for teaching excellence, Lancaster brings together world‑class research and an outstanding student experience within a distinctive collegiate culture. With a turnover of c.£400m, 3,500 staff and more than 29,000 students, the University combines global reach with a close‑knit, supportive academic community and a strong sense of regional and international impact.
Current Challenges
Our ambition is to be sustainable, academically excellent and recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. Our success is driven by our people, and as we continue to evolve in an increasingly complex higher education landscape, the Chief People Officer (CPO) will be central to shaping a culture in which colleagues can thrive and perform at their best.
Responsibilities
The CPO will provide strategic leadership across the full people, organisational development and transformation agenda. Working closely with the Vice‑Chair, senior leadership team and the Vice‑Chancellor, the CPO will shape and deliver a progressive and forward‑looking People and Culture Plan aligned to the University’s priorities, ensuring Lancaster has the capability, culture and workforce profile required for long‑term success.
Key duties include:
- Leading large‑scale organisational change and building high‑performing teams.
- Delivering strategic and operational excellence in people management.
- Managing employee relations and trade‑union engagement.
- Building trusted relationships and influencing across stakeholders.
- Applying strong judgement, emotional intelligence and communication skills in a collegial, intellectually dynamic environment.
Qualifications
Strategic and values‑driven leader with experience operating at Executive or Board level in a complex organisation. Proven track record of leading large‑scale organisational change, building high‑performing teams, and delivering strategic and operational excellence. Demonstrated ability to navigate employee relations and trade‑union engagement, with strong judgment, emotional intelligence and communication skills. Experience in higher education is advantageous but not essential; candidates from related sectors who can demonstrate delivery of organisation‑wide transformation and cultural change will also be considered.
Equal Opportunities
Lancaster University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
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