Deputy HR Director (Interim)
| Posting date: | 19 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £76,392 per year, pro rata |
| Additional salary information: | This is the expected starting salary for this post however appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 October 2025 |
| Location: | Egham, Surrey |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Royal Holloway University of London |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 0925-224 |
Summary
Full-Time, Fixed-Term (until 1 May 2026 with possible extension, subject to circumstance)
Shape the Future of HR at a World-Class University
Hybrid working (4 days a week on site at our beautiful Egham campus)
Royal Holloway is a leading research-intensive university with a proud heritage and bold ambitions. To realise our vision, we need an HR function that’s not just fit for purpose—but fit for the future.
We’re seeking an Interim Deputy Director of HR who’s ready to do more than keep the lights on. This is a pivotal role for a change-maker: someone with the drive, resilience, and strategic insight to modernise our systems, embed digital innovation, and lead cultural transformation—while ensuring our HR services remain exceptional every single day.
You’ll be a values-led leader who lives and breathes our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. You’ll champion student success and wellbeing and believe deeply in the social purpose of higher education. You’ll also share our dedication to environmental sustainability and help elevate Royal Holloway’s reputation locally and globally through your leadership and impact.
Working closely with our Interim HR Director, you’ll lead the transformation of our HR function while taking full ownership of operational delivery. You’ll ensure our services are efficient, responsive, and people-centred—supporting colleagues across the university and enabling them to thrive.
What you’ll bring:
Senior HR leadership experience in a complex, people-focused, unionised environment—ideally within higher education
A proven track record of delivering service improvements and driving operational excellence
Deep expertise in UK employment law, employee relations, and the full HR remit
The credibility and influence to build trust with senior leaders, trade unions, and colleagues at every level
In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:
Generous annual leave entitlement
Training and Development opportunities
Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
Free parking
If you’re energised by change and motivated by purpose—if you have the courage, creativity, and commitment to lead transformation—we’d love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion please contact Aisla Nicholls, interim Director of HR aisla.nicholls@rhul.ac.uk
Please quote the reference: 0925-224
Closing Date: 23:59, 3 October 2025
Shortlisting: Week Commencing 6 October 2025
Interview Date: Week Commencing 13 October 2025
Shape the Future of HR at a World-Class University
Hybrid working (4 days a week on site at our beautiful Egham campus)
Royal Holloway is a leading research-intensive university with a proud heritage and bold ambitions. To realise our vision, we need an HR function that’s not just fit for purpose—but fit for the future.
We’re seeking an Interim Deputy Director of HR who’s ready to do more than keep the lights on. This is a pivotal role for a change-maker: someone with the drive, resilience, and strategic insight to modernise our systems, embed digital innovation, and lead cultural transformation—while ensuring our HR services remain exceptional every single day.
You’ll be a values-led leader who lives and breathes our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. You’ll champion student success and wellbeing and believe deeply in the social purpose of higher education. You’ll also share our dedication to environmental sustainability and help elevate Royal Holloway’s reputation locally and globally through your leadership and impact.
Working closely with our Interim HR Director, you’ll lead the transformation of our HR function while taking full ownership of operational delivery. You’ll ensure our services are efficient, responsive, and people-centred—supporting colleagues across the university and enabling them to thrive.
What you’ll bring:
Senior HR leadership experience in a complex, people-focused, unionised environment—ideally within higher education
A proven track record of delivering service improvements and driving operational excellence
Deep expertise in UK employment law, employee relations, and the full HR remit
The credibility and influence to build trust with senior leaders, trade unions, and colleagues at every level
In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:
Generous annual leave entitlement
Training and Development opportunities
Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
Free parking
If you’re energised by change and motivated by purpose—if you have the courage, creativity, and commitment to lead transformation—we’d love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion please contact Aisla Nicholls, interim Director of HR aisla.nicholls@rhul.ac.uk
Please quote the reference: 0925-224
Closing Date: 23:59, 3 October 2025
Shortlisting: Week Commencing 6 October 2025
Interview Date: Week Commencing 13 October 2025
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.