Chief People Officer (CPO)

Lancaster University is a leading global research institution, rooted in its local community and defined by academic excellence and a strong sense of purpose. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and internationally, and recognised with a TEF Gold award for teaching excellence, Lancaster brings together world-class research and an outstanding student experience within a distinctive collegiate culture. With a turnover of c.£400m, 3,500 staff and more than 29,000 students, the University combines global reach with a close-knit, supportive academic community and a strong sense of regional and international impact.

Our ambition is to be sustainable, academically excellent and recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. Our success is driven by our people, and as we continue to evolve in an increasingly complex higher education landscape, the CPO will be central to shaping a culture in which colleagues can thrive and perform at their best.

To build on this strong foundation, we are seeking to appoint an outstanding CPO. Reporting to the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, and as a member of the Strategic Leadership Team, the CPO will play a crucial leadership role at a time of significant change for Lancaster and the wider higher education landscape, with staff experience at the heart of the University’s priorities.

The CPO will provide strategic leadership across the full people, organisational development and transformation agenda. Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team, you will shape and deliver a progressive and forward-looking People and Culture Plan aligned to the University’s priorities, ensuring Lancaster has the capability, culture and workforce profile required for long-term success.

We are seeking a strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Executive or Board level in a complex organisation. You will bring a strong track record of leading large-scale organisational change, building high-performing teams, and delivering both strategic and operational excellence. You will be confident navigating employee relations and trade union engagement, and able to build trusted relationships and influence across a wide range of stakeholders. With excellent judgement, emotional intelligence and communication skills, you will be adept at operating in a collegial and intellectually dynamic environment.

While experience in higher education is advantageous, we welcome candidates from related sectors who can demonstrate delivery of organisation-wide transformation and cultural change.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a globally recognised university at a pivotal moment, shaping the environment in which its people can thrive and enabling Lancaster to deliver its long-term vision.

Closing date: Friday 26 June at 5.30pm

Final interviews: Thursday 17 or Friday 18 September

Lancaster University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of the community.