Interim Chief People Officer, South England University

Anderson Quigley is delighted to be assisting a large and well-regarded university situated in the South of England on the appointment of an experienced Interim Chief People Officer to join at a pivotal moment in its organisational journey.

This 6–9 month assignment, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and CEO, will play a key leadership role in driving forward the university’s new strategic plan and people and culture agenda. The successful candidate will be a senior HR leader with substantial experience in UK higher education, bringing a track record of leading organisational development and large-scale change. Strong expertise in employee relations is essential, with the credibility and insight to strategically reset and rebuild relationships with trade unions in a complex and evolving environment.

The role requires someone who can provide immediate stability while steering the function towards a future-focused, transformative direction. The successful candidate will oversee a people function of approximately 40 staff and will need to demonstrate the seniority, presence and strategic mindset required to thrive in a challenging but rewarding context.

Full-time availability is strongly preferred due to the scale of the agenda, and on-site presence for three days per week is expected unless a compelling alternative proposition is presented. The role will ideally commence no later than early September, ideally with a short handover at the end of August – however we are open to waiting for the right candidate. A salary in the region of £130,000 is available, with some discretionary flexibility possibly available for an exceptional candidate. Day rate arrangements could be considered if necessary.

Shortlisting is ongoing on an immediate basis, and provisional virtual interview dates have been arranged for 1^st August. We will be searching and interviewing continuously until successful appointment. If this advert is live at time of reading, then please do consider that we are still accepting interest. So if you are a highly experienced HRD or CPO, with strong Higher Education sector experience, and are soon available for your next interim contract, please contact Akhil Yerneni immediately.