Deputy Director - Learning, Organisation Development and Reward

Deputy Director
- Learning, Organisation Development and Reward

Salford, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Hot Job

• Job Identification 983
• Posting Date 08/04/2026, 03:38 PM
• Apply Before 08/31/2026, 10:55 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Contract Type Permanent
• DBS required No
• Driving Required No
• Organization Human Resources, University of Salford

Deputy Director
- Learning, Organisation Development and Reward

We're looking for an experienced and inspiring HR leader to join the University of Salford as our Deputy Director of Learning, Organisation Development and Reward.

This is a key leadership role within our Human Resources team, offering the opportunity to shape and influence the experience of colleagues across the University. Working closely with the Director of HR and senior leaders, you will lead a broad portfolio including learning and development, reward and recognition, wellbeing, employee engagement and organisational development, helping to create an environment where people can thrive and perform at their best.

As a trusted strategic partner, you will play a pivotal role in developing and delivering people initiatives that support the University's ambitions and ensure we continue to attract, develop and retain talented colleagues.

About the Role

You will:

• Lead the development of innovative people strategies across learning and development, reward, wellbeing and employee engagement.
• Champion initiatives that enhance the employee experience and foster an inclusive, supportive and high-performing culture.
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, using insight and evidence to shape decision-making and drive positive change.
• Develop leadership and management capability across the University and support colleagues to reach their full potential.
• Lead and inspire specialist teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, impactful people services.

About You

You'll be a credible and collaborative HR leader with significant experience in a large, complex organisation and a passion for creating great places to work.

We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• A successful track record of delivering strategic people initiatives and organisational improvement.
• Expertise across areas such as learning and development, reward, employee engagement and wellbeing.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues at every level
• Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Chartered CIPD status (or working towards) and a commitment to professional excellence.

What's in it for you?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact at a university that values collaboration, inclusion and innovation. You'll join an ambitious HR leadership team and play a central role in shaping how we support, develop and recognise our people.

In addition we can offer:

• An impressive 32 days leave - plus bank holidays, additional time off at Christmas and the opportunity to buy even more!
• Flexible working - we support a culture of flexible and agile working to help you find the right balance
• Our community - there's a real sense of belonging here  value diversity, in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students' lives
• Wellbeing support - all our people are important to us and we have services and facilities dedicated to your mental and physical health, ranging from an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling, to sports and fitness facilities including discounted gym memberships
• A rewarding career - where everything you do will make a difference. To our students, our local community, and the world around you

Interviews will be held on 17 & 18 September.

Please note this role may close earlier than the advertised closing date depending on applicant numbers.

Join us here in Salford and be part of one of the UK’s fastest growing universities. At Salford, you’ll find a career that works for you, with flexible working, great benefits, generous annual leave and continuous professional development.

All our people are important to us, and we have services dedicated to your mental and physical wellbeing from an Employee Assistance Programme to discounted gym membership. All of this on either our Peel Park campus or our Media City campus, at the heart of a world‑renowned digital and media hub.

We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students’ lives. We have a commitment to be Net Zero by 2038 and embed sustainability in all aspects of university life.

And, most importantly, we offer you a rewarding career. A career where everything you do will make a difference – to the students, our local community and the world around you.

At the University of Salford you’ll join a place to be inspired, connect and thrive. Find out more about a career that works for you at  .