Director of Human Resources

The University of Salford is an ambitious, forward-thinking institution with a proud history of transforming lives through education, research, innovation and partnership. With over 26,000 students and almost 3,000 colleagues, we are deeply connected to Salford and Greater Manchester, while our impact extends far beyond the region.

As we deliver our new Strategy 2030, Innovating to Enrich Lives, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Human Resources to ensure that our people, culture and organisational capability fully support our ambitions.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Financial Officer, you will lead the development and delivery of a University-wide People Plan and a modern, customer-focused HR function. As a trusted adviser to the Executive, you will shape workforce planning, organisational design, culture and leadership capability, while strengthening talent and succession planning and ensuring HR services are responsive, efficient and informed by effective systems and people data.

You will provide visible and inclusive leadership to the HR team, build constructive relationships with recognised trade unions and staff representatives, and champion equity, diversity and inclusion, colleague engagement and wellbeing.

We are looking for an accomplished senior HR leader with significant experience of leading a sizeable HR function within a complex and diverse organisation. You will bring a strong track record of shaping people strategy, leading organisational change and service transformation, and developing workforce and leadership capability. Experience of working successfully in a unionised environment will be particularly important.

Collaborative, credible and pragmatic, you will be able to influence and constructively challenge at a senior level, build trusted relationships across the University and translate strategic ambition into effective delivery. You will combine sound commercial judgement and strong data literacy with a commitment to developing others and creating an outstanding colleague experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a defining role in the future of an ambitious university, shaping the people, culture and capability needed to deliver lasting impact for our students, colleagues and wider communities.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Salford on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details of how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference IUSF. Alternatively, email Belinda.Beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 25 September 2026.