Head of HR Services

Discipline: Head of Department
Salary: £57,502 - £63,126
Contact email: d.storey@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
Job ref: 045426
Published: 5 days ago
Deadline for Application: 23 Nov 2025 23:59

If you are an experienced HR leader with a passion for driving high performance and creating an inclusive, people-centered culture then we want to hear from you.

Bradford College are recruiting for a Head of HR Services for our exceptional HR Services department where you will lead and oversee all facets of our HR function, including Employee Relations, HR Shared Services, Recruitment, and Learning & Development.

In this critical role, you will not only support in the design and implementation of our people strategy but also foster an environment where employees thrive, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the entire employee lifecycle.

Please note that interviews for this role will take place on Tuesday 9th December.

Responsibilities include:

  • Supports the design and implementation of the people plan across the College to achieve the strategic objective to be an ‘Employer of Choice’

  • Implements an annual plan of HR activity, ensuring KPI’s are delivered and a pro active approach is taken to developing a high performance culture.

  • Responsible for improving all HR processes in order to maintain an efficient and effective support service to the College.

  • Implements compliance in all HR processes and procedures

  • Ensures the HR System/LMS is fit for purpose and effective solutions are in place.

  • Supports the design and implementation of the recruitment strategy, identifying skills gaps, developing initiatives for hard to recruit roles and attracting diverse candidates linked to the EDI strategy.

  • Develops a consistent approach to learning and development and talent planning to drive tangible improvements to organisational performance.

  • Ensures implementation of employee health and wellbeing initiatives with an emphasis on inclusion.

  • Defines the HR departmental budget and meets and exceeds all targets.

  • Identifies and monitors resource requirements to deliver the needs of the HR function

  • Identifies and implements opportunities to minimise departmental costs through streamlining processes.

For the full job description and person specification, please click here

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will be a learner and quality-focused with a commitment to our vision of working together to transform lives. You should be able to contribute to our journey to Outstanding, creating a positive working and study environment, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion should be embedded within your core values.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority background, as these groups are currently underrepresented within our management roles.

As part of the hiring process, all shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a psychometric test, which will provide valuable insight into your potential fit within Bradford College.

Education & Training

  • Level 5 CIPD qualification, or equivalent professional experience.

  • GCSE 4 – 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in Maths, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale

  • GCSE 4 - 9 or equivalent level 2 qualification in English, or be prepared to pass a test before the interview to demonstrate level 2 ability, and then, if appointed, achieve within an agreed timescale

Experience

  • Experience of managing people and resources.

  • Demonstrable experience of managing a HR service.

  • Knowledge and understanding of external auditing bodies and regulatory inspections

  • Experience of supporting the implementation of change management programmes.

  • Experience of working in a unionised environment

  • Strong knowledge of Employment Law

  • Understanding and experience of recruitment processes and best practice

For an informal discussion about the role, please email recruit@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, depending on the level of interest and number of applications, so early application is advised.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

We kindly request that recruitment agencies not forward any unsolicited CVs in relation to any of our advertised roles or speculatively. If we require support with any of our vacancies, we will get in touch with agencies directly.

  • We do not recognise submissions of unsolicited or speculative CV applications from recruitment agencies.

  • We shall not be liable for any fee /commission in the event we employ a candidate that may have been submitted as an unsolicited/speculative application from an uninstructed recruitment agency.

Bradford College

At Bradford College, our ambition is to transform the lives of our learners, help them to aim higher and support them to achieve their goals.

Located in the heart of Bradford, we offer a wide range of courses at varying levels, with something to suit everyone. From undergraduate to postgraduate and professional qualifications, to distance learning and short community courses.

We aim to attract and retain knowledgeable, passionate and focused individuals who can inspire, motivate and support both learners and colleagues. With a can-do attitude and desire for continuous self-improvement, you could make a difference in the lives of everyone at Bradford College.

Should you be shortlisted for an interview, as a Disability Confident employer, where required, we will make reasonable adjustments to your interview to ensure you are given the best opportunity to succeed. If you require any additional support or reasonable adjustments for the interview, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your options.

Bradford College is proud to be working towards becoming a Menopause Friendly Accredited Employer. This commitment reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all staff. We are implementing policies, resources, and awareness initiatives to ensure everyone feels valued and supported through every stage of life.

Benefits of working at Bradford College:

  • Generous annual leave entitlement – equivalent to 30 days of holidays, plus bank holidays

  • Additional college closure days, including a 2-week Christmas closure

  • West Yorkshire Pension Scheme, with a generous 18% employer contribution

  • Annual salary reviews

  • Career progression opportunities – 54% of all vacancies are filled internally

  • Free sports and gym facilities

  • Free wellbeing initiatives and access to our exclusive staff indoor and outdoor wellbeing space

  • Confidential employee assistance service and on-site mental health first aiders

  • Access to Bradford College benefits hub, offering retail, travel, leisure and dining discounts and cashback

  • Discounts on greener travel – cycle to work scheme & local MetroCard and Northern Rail discounts

  • Access to hair and beauty treatments in our student-led Signature Spa

  • On-site dining facilities, including our award-winning Grove restaurant

  • A host of training development opportunities

  • Fantastic campus facilities, a short walk to public transport links in the heart of the City of Culture 2025

  • The opportunity to work for an organisation that is truly committed to creating a better future for all through education and training.

For full details, please click here

*If you have the drive to further develop your skills and abilities, you will be given the support and opportunities you need to enhance your career. This includes access to in-house training and CPD, professional and academic qualifications and mentoring.

Bradford College is committed to supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion amongst our staff and student body. We promote applications across all sections of the community, recognising the benefits a diverse workforce can bring and therefore particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with our statutory safeguarding requirements detailed in Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation, this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, employment references, health screening and social media search.

Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection with children and vulnerable adults.