Human Resources Director

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

As we continue to evolve the Institute we are seeking a Human Resources Director to lead the next phase of our People strategy, partnering with the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Senior Leadership Team and Wellcome to ensure our people strategy enables the Institute to deliver its ambitious scientific mission. 

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for creating a modern, insight-led People function that develops organisational capability, enables leaders to succeed and delivers an outstanding employee experience. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will influence organisational direction, workforce planning, culture and leadership across the Institute while ensuring alignment with Wellcome where appropriate.

About the role

As Human Resources Director you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the Institute's People Strategy.

• Act as a trusted strategic adviser to the Executive Senior Leadership Team on workforce, organisational effectiveness and culture.

• Lead and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary People function.

• Shape workforce planning, organisational capability and succession strategies that support future scientific priorities.

• Drive organisational culture, leadership capability and employee experience.

• Use data, evidence and insight to inform strategic decision making and organisational performance.

About you

We're looking for an experienced HR leader who has:

• Successfully led a People function within a complex organisation.

• Experience partnering with executive leadership teams to shape organisational strategy.

• A track record of leading organisational change and transformation.

• Strong expertise in workforce planning, organisational development and talent strategy.

• Outstanding leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery and evidence-based decision making.

Full job description can be found here.  

Application Process

Please submit an up-to-date CV with a supporting suitability statement 

Your suitability statement should be no more than 2 pages and explain, with examples, how your experience meets the key criteria set out in the suitability statement guidance document found here. 

Closing date for applications 9th August 

Expected Recruitment Process 

The selection process is expected to comprise three stages:

1. Leadership Panel Interview 

2. Interview with Chief Operating Officer 

3. Interview with Senior Institute Leaders
 

Following a successful appointment, the successful candidate will be invited to meet members of the Institute's Non-Executive Directors as part of their onboarding and introduction to the organisation. This is an introductory meeting and does not form part of the selection process.

Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks: LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability, Gender Equity and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We believe people do their best work when they can be their authentic selves. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits:

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.  The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.