Deputy Director People Services

Shape the Future of People at De Montfort University

De Montfort University (DMU) is an ambitious, globally connected university with a commitment to transforming lives through education, research and innovation. As we continue to deliver our vision and refreshed University strategy, we are seeking an exceptional HR leader to join us as Deputy Director of People Services.

Reporting to the Executive Director of People Services, you will play a central role in leading and shaping our people agenda, ensuring our workforce, culture, leadership capability and organisational structures support the achievement of our strategic ambitions. You will deputise for the Executive Director where required and provide strategic leadership across the People Services Directorate.

The Opportunity

This is a highly influential leadership role with responsibility for leading a broad portfolio of HR functions, including:

• Strategic People Partnering
• Workforce Change and Transformation
• Employee Relations
• Workforce Data and Analytics
• Operational HR customer support, including payroll, talent acquisition and employee lifecycle services across our global university.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will drive strategic workforce planning, support organisational transformation and change, lead complex people initiatives and help create an outstanding employee experience that attracts, develops and retains exceptional talent.

You will also play a key role in strengthening leadership capability, fostering positive industrial relations and ensuring our people practices remain innovative, inclusive and aligned to organisational priorities.

We are seeking an accomplished HR leader with experience in large, complex organisations. You will bring:

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• A proven track record of delivering people strategies that drive performance and cultural change.
• Extensive experience leading organisational transformation, restructuring, and workforce change.
• Strong strategic employee relations expertise, including engagement with recognised trade unions.
• In-depth knowledge of employment law and industrial relations.
• Experience leading customer-focused HR operations and professional HR teams.
• Excellent influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A strong commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and delivering an exceptional employee experience.
• High professional credibility, sound judgement, resilience, and integrity.
• Experience in higher education or the public sector (desirable).

As Deputy Director of People Services, you will have the opportunity to:

• Influence university-wide strategy and decision making.
• Lead significant transformation and workforce initiatives.
• Shape an exceptional employee experience.
• Develop high-performing teams and future leaders.
• Drive innovative approaches to people services and organisational effectiveness.