An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and qualified HR professional to join one of Cambridge’s most prestigious and historic institutions as Interim Head of HR. Initially offered as a 6-month fixed-term contract, with strong potential to become a permanent appointment subject to mutual fit and organisational approval.

Working closely with the Senior Bursar and senior stakeholders across the College, this role offers the chance to shape people strategy, influence organisational culture and lead a modern, high-quality HR function within a complex and intellectually stimulating environment.

Leading a small HR team, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the full employee lifecycle, supporting approximately 300 staff and Academic Fellows. This role would suit a credible and collaborative HR leader who enjoys balancing hands-on delivery with longer-term organisational development initiatives.

What’s on offer:

• Generous pension scheme
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Healthcare cash plan
• Part time (4 days a week) considered or compressed hours
• Free meals whilst on site
• Free car parking available (10 minute walk)
• Access to on-site fitness facilities
• Cycle-to-work
• Nursery salary sacrifice schemes

About the role:

• Working in partnership with the Senior Bursar to develop the people strategy, including EVP and any other organisational development activities
• Management and development of the HR team
• Being the subject matter expert on all areas of employee relations, employment legislation and policy development
• Taking the lead on the annual reward cycle and liaising with payroll to effect changes
• Key priorities will include shaping the College’s response to employee engagement feedback, embedding upcoming employment legislation changes and supporting HR system development

About you:

You will be an experienced HR leader with strong generalist expertise and a confident, credible approach to stakeholder management. CIPD Level 7 qualified (or working towards), you will bring excellent employment law knowledge alongside the ability to build trusted relationships across a complex organisation.

You will be equally comfortable operating strategically and rolling up your sleeves operationally, with experience leading teams, managing change and driving people-focused initiatives that enhance engagement, culture and organisational effectiveness. Experience within higher education, professional services, not-for-profit or similarly complex stakeholder-led environments would be advantageous.

If you are available at short notice and this role sounds of interest to you, please do not hesitate to get in touch for an informal conversation.