Director of Talent

The University of Oxford aims to be a world leader in both research and education for the benefit of society globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial, and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. 

Whilst retaining traditions of scholarship, Oxford is forward-looking, creative, and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial universities and ranks first in the UK for university spinouts. In recent years Oxford has typically incubated and spun out 15-20 new companies every year, whilst being recognised as a leader in the support of social enterprise. 

Our ambition is clear; to maintain our position as the leading University in the world, while fostering an inclusive, diverse and values-driven culture, in partnership with the colleges. We are already making strides towards achieving this.  Planning is already underway to set out our vision for a new People strategy that will prepare us for the future.  I look forward to engaging you in this process to co-create an exciting future together.  

The Role 

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the new position of Director of Talent will play a critical role in building and managing the talent development lifecycle, strategically for the University, and working closely with colleagues in Divisions, Departments and Colleges. 

The successful candidate will lead in the areas of Resourcing and Workforce Planning, Employer Branding and Candidate Experience, Talent Development and Retention, Evidence-Based Talent Management, Organisational Development, and Pay Rewards and Benefits.  

Acting when needed as the HRD’s deputy, you will be confident in representing the University’s HR community internally and externally with key influencers, partners, and other stakeholders. 

In addition to developing and leading on relevant strategies aligned with these areas of the portfolio, we are seeking someone who can bring fresh thinking and ideas to the department.  

Applicants who can evidence an innovative approach to HR as well as demonstrate that they are able to support the agile developments that form part of the People Strategy are more likely to progress as are those with proven expertise and knowledge of delivering talent management strategies for a large and complex organisation, ideally in a leadership role.  

Finally, we are seeking someone who will be able to able to work inclusively and collegially with the HR community and a wide range of stakeholders spread across the matrix of Divisions, Departments and Colleges. 

The closing date for applications is the 27th September 2023.