Director of Organisation Design and Effectiveness

Director of Organisation Design and Effectiveness About the role

The Director of Organisation Design and Effectiveness will focus on enhancing organisational performance, supporting cultural transformation, and helping to shape the people agenda to deliver on the University’s strategic goals. Working closely with University leadership and reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Director will shape and implement strategies to optimise organisational design, role definition and workforce effectiveness, ensuring that the university is designed to remain effective in the evolving higher education landscape.

We are seeking a candidate with proven experience in a senior organisational effectiveness, HR, or change management role in a large complex organisation. The ideal candidate will have experience designing effective organisation structures and planning workforce models to meet both short‑term and longer‑term objectives, and supporting cultural change in a large organisation. Ability to work with and influence colleagues at all levels in the organisation is essential.

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Help with childcare
• Support for your wellbeing
• Staff networks
• Discounted sports membership
• Discounted travel

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

The University of Lancashire is an international, multi‑campus university tracing its roots back to 1828 and leading the way in modern learning today. One of the largest universities in the UK, with over 39,000 students, the University was named Edufuturists ‘University of the Year’ in 2023, in recognition of our work to ignite change and transform learning for the benefit of society and future generations.

The University of Lancashire has appointed Search Higher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; please apply by submitting a CV and Cover Letter in Word Document format, of no more than two pages for each document, using the form on the Search Higher website, linked via the Apply button.

Initial exploratory conversations will take place with the Search Higher team, followed by a formal panel and presentation with suitable candidates on the University of Lancashire Preston site on Monday 19th January 2026
. For an informal discussion, please contact Nick Brian on ni

Further information about the role can be found in the candidate pack here.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Director

Full‑time

Human Resources and Education

Higher Education and Human Resources Services