Head of People Technology & Transformation

Operating as a key member of the People Services leadership team and working in close partnership with the Director of People Services Hub you shape and deliver the University’s People Technology strategy.

You will lead the University’s People Technology landscape, with end-to-end accountability for core HR systems, and system workforce data, ensuring a cohesive, efficient and future-focused people infrastructure. Providing thought leadership, innovation and deep technical expertise, you will be responsible for the performance, development and optimisation of the University’s People technology ecosystem, with a core focus on SuccessFactors (Employee Central, Recruitment & Onboarding, Joule and Enterprise Service Management), alongside the wider legacy systems portfolio.

Supporting an organisation of c.10,000 colleagues, in a multi-site four nation operation, this role plays a critical part in enabling delivery of the University strategy and People Plan through modern, efficient and insight-led people infrastructure.

You will lead both the strategic evolution and operational delivery of People Technology, balancing transformation with robust BAU. This includes ownership of system governance, technical solution design, and the delivery of core HR system processes aligned to the annual people cycle. Working in close collaboration with Digital Services, our external delivery partner, and senior stakeholders across the University, the role will drive the ongoing transformation of People technology, leading the design and implementation of modern, user-focused solutions, including automation, data-led decision making, and emerging technologies such as AI-enabled capability.

You will also hold accountability for the leadership, capability and development of the People Technology team, building a high-performing function that can deliver both operational excellence and continuous innovation.

Key responsibilities

* Act as a strategic advisor to the Director of People Services Hub, shaping the direction of the University’s People Systems landscape and articulating the “art of the possible” through technology, data and innovation
* Own the design and delivery of the People Technology ecosystem, leading the development of scalable, sustainable solutions across SuccessFactors and the wider HR systems landscape
* Lead cross-functional collaboration with People Services, Digital Services and external partners to translate business needs into effective, integrated technical solutions aligned to enterprise architecture and best practice
* Drive continuous improvement and transformation, undertaking system and process reviews to identify opportunities for optimisation, automation and enhanced user experience, and ensuring successful adoption across the organisation
* Define and deliver the HR Technology roadmap, in partnership with Digital Services, ensuring alignment to strategic priorities, clear delivery plans, and effective management of dependencies, risks and resources
* Ensure robust system governance and compliance, maintaining high standards across data protection, information security and regulatory requirements, and embedding appropriate controls across all solutions
* Provide oversight and assurance of solution quality, including testing, release management and change control, ensuring stability, integrity and minimal disruption to business operations
* Proven capability in implementing establishment control and position management disciplines, enabling accurate workforce data, improved governance, and stronger alignment between people, finance and organisational structures
* Lead stakeholder engagement and communication, translating complex technical concepts into clear, meaningful insights for a wide range of stakeholders. Ensure visibility and understanding of system changes, priorities and delivery timelines, while building strong, credible relationships at senior levels and enabling informed decision-making that enhances the end-user experience.
* Lead and develop a high-performing People Systems team, setting clear direction, building capability, and fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and innovation
* Oversee operational delivery (BAU), ensuring the effective and efficient running of core People Systems services, including resolution of complex issues and escalation of risks where required

Person Specification

* Significant experience within the People Technology landscape, with strong expertise in SuccessFactors (Employee Central, Recruitment & Onboarding), alongside broader HR technology ecosystems. Understanding of Joule and Enterprise Service management also beneficial.
* Proven track record of leading HR systems optimisation and transformation, delivering improvements in user experience, process efficiency and data quality within complex organisational environments
* Strong understanding of system architecture, integration and delivery methodologies, with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical, business-focused solutions
* Experience of integrating HR systems within wider enterprise landscapes, working across multiple platforms, vendors and stakeholders to deliver cohesive and scalable solutions
* Experience of SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (ECP) or comparable payroll platforms, with a strong understanding of EC-ECP integration, data integrity, and the governance required to support a joined-up hire-to-pay landscape
* Highly developed analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to navigate complexity, diagnose issues and implement effective, sustainable solutions
* Credible and confident stakeholder leader, with experience of influencing and building trust at senior and executive level, and working effectively across organisational boundaries
* Comfortable operating in ambiguity, able to provide clarity, direction and momentum in evolving and complex environments
* Demonstrates a strong balance of pragmatism and innovation, respecting existing ways of working while driving forward change to create a more modern, efficient and insight-led organisation
* Experience of leading and developing technical teams, building capability across systems, data and continuous improvement within a service-led environment

Essential

Experience: –

* Significant experience leading People Technology / HR Systems functions in complex organisations, with extensive expertise in SuccessFactors (Employee Central and Recruitment & Onboarding) and wider HR technology landscapes
* Proven track record of delivering HR systems transformation and optimisation, improving user experience, process efficiency and data integrity at scale
* Strong understanding of HR systems architecture, integration and delivery, with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical, business-focused solutions
* Experience in establishing and embedding establishment control and position management practices, ensuring accurate, governed workforce data to support organisational planning and financial control
* Demonstrable ability to influence at senior level and lead high-performing teams, building capability and developing succession, whilst working collaboratively across organisational boundaries in complex, evolving environments

Skills and Behaviours

* Connecting and Communicating
– Able to define the journey, bringing team and colleagues together along the way
– Builds and maintains strong relationships up to and including Executive Board Level, whilst being able to challenge effectively
– Able to influence without formal authority across organisational boundaries
– Actively listens and observes; seeks to understand before intervening
– Able to raise sensitive issues without alienating colleagues
– Demonstrates political sensitivity

* Adapting Learning and Coping
– Continually scans the internal and external horizon to identify opportunities for positive and timely change
– Able to flex behaviour to meet the needs of the situation
– Willing to experiment, test and learn
– Stays positive, supportive and effective under pressure

* Taking Ownership for delivery
– Tenacious in unfamiliar, ambiguous and complex situations
– Proactively identifies required action and possible barriers to progress, in advance
– Thinks ahead, prioritises, aligns necessary resources and plans as necessary
-Takes ownership for supporting delivery against commitments, despite challenges, difficulties, and workload.
– Motivates, empowers and encourages team and individuals

All of our opportunities require that applicants are eligible to work in the specified country/location, unless otherwise stated in the job description.

Whitehall Resources are an equal opportunities employer who value a diverse and inclusive working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.