Join the University of Manchester
We’re excited to be recruiting a dynamic and motivated Head of Leadership Development to join our Talent Development Team at The University of Manchester.
About the Role
The Head of Leadership Development will take a lead role in the design, delivery and continuous improvement of the University’s management and leadership development provision, supporting colleagues at every stage of their leadership journey.
Leading a specialist team, the role oversees a broad portfolio of development solutions, including in-person programmes, workshops and online resources, spanning aspiring managers through to senior and executive leaders. Working in close partnership with academic, research and professional development leads, as well as IT, Compliance and Risk colleagues, the postholder will ensure leadership development is accessible, relevant and aligned to institutional priorities.
The role plays a key part in shaping and delivering the University’s Talent Development Strategy, ensuring leadership development solutions are aligned to organisational goals, including sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, and service excellence.
About you
Essential Criteria
Significant experience leading leadership and management development across a large, complex organisation.
Strong track record of designing and delivering impactful leadership development programmes grounded in adult learning principles.
Experience using psychometric and leadership development tools (e.g. 360 feedback, MBTI, EQ-i, DISC).
Proven people leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
Strategic mindset with experience leading organisational and cultural change.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
A flexible, resilient approach and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and sustainability.
Degree (or equivalent experience) in HR, Business Management or a related field, with Chartered CIPD (or equivalent).
Desirable
Coaching qualification and/or BPS Level A/B accreditation.
Experience of digital or blended learning delivery.
Experience within higher education or a similarly complex environment.
Why Work with Us
As one of the UK’s leading universities and a member of the prestigious Russell Group, The University of Manchester is recognised globally for excellence in teaching, research, and social responsibility. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to offer a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Our benefits include:
Generous annual leave, including Christmas/New Year closure
Membership of a competitive pension scheme
Comprehensive well-being programme, including counselling, fitness, and leading sports facilities
Learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
Season ticket loans and Cycle to Work scheme
Workplace nursery scheme and family-friendly policies
Staff discounts on travel, retail and services
Staff recognition schemes celebrating outstanding contributions
This is a hybrid role, with the opportunity to work remotely 1-2 days per week, dependent on organisational need.
Our community
With 25 Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students, we have a proud history of world-first discoveries – from splitting the atom to giving the world graphene. Our commitment to research, teaching, and social responsibility shapes everything we do.
Inclusion and Belonging
We’re passionate about creating an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. As an equal opportunity employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.
How to Apply
This vacancy will close at midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please note that any CVs submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Lewis Burne, Talent Acquisition Advisor
Email: lewis.burne@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
