Executive Director of People & Culture

Creativity has no boundaries and neither does the University for the Creative Arts. UCA is a home for the globally minded. It believes in entrepreneurism and innovation. Bold opportunists, quiet innovators, curious experimentalists and out-of-the-box thinkers are welcomed. 

With a long track record of delivering high quality education that prepares graduates for careers in the creative industries, we have been pioneering innovative ideas and practices in creative education for more than 160 years. We are the second largest provider of creative arts education in the UK, and in the most recent REF we were the UK’s top specialist art and design university for world-leading research outputs, with 99% of our research internationally recognised for quality.

UCA is a vibrant community of around 11,000 students from all parts of the UK and overseas, studying a wide range of specialist pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate courses at our UK campuses in Epsom, Farnham and Canterbury, the Institute of Creativity and Innovation in China, and in our other partner institutions. An inclusive university that celebrates difference, we prioritise creating a supportive environment for students and staff to find their individual voices and nurture their personal creativity.

A member of the University Executive Board reporting to the President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe, the Executive Director of People & Culture will develop and deliver the people strategy to support UCA’s strategic priorities. The role will oversee the People & Culture function and will foster growth, innovation and a thriving employee culture, in line with UCA’s vision, mission and values. The post will play a key role in implementing and driving forward the evolution in culture and behaviour that will transform UCA.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate a proven track record of driving cultural and organisational change at scale. You will have significant senior-level experience in developing and leading cultural transformation, alongside a strong background in HR, fostering a proactive, service-led culture to build a world-class organisation—preferably within the university, education, or creative sectors, or similar environments. You will have navigated successfully the complexities of multi-site, matrixed organisations, demonstrating strategic acumen, analytical thinking, and the ability to drive operational excellence at all levels. Experience working with trade unions would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, innovative and able to cultivate and embed creative ideas. They will demonstrate resilience and objectivity in managing complex and challenging situations, ensuring issues are addressed fairly and promptly while fostering trust across the organisation. A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential, alongside the ability to promote and facilitate collaborative ways of working. They will bring a solutions-focused mindset, excelling under pressure to drive positive change and enhance organisational effectiveness.

Candidates should apply for this role through our retained advisors Networked at -

https://www.networkedpeople.com/uca-people-director/

The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Monday 24th March 2025.

Informal questions regarding the post should be directed to Hamish Laing at Networked via -

hamish.laing@networkedpeople.com or +44 (0)7861 329463.