Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and as a member of the University Executive Team, this role goes well beyond leading a People function. It is about shaping a high-performing, inclusive and accountable institutional culture, strengthening leadership capability, and ensuring that our workforce, structures and ways of working are fully aligned to our strategic ambitions.

We are seeking a senior leader with the credibility, judgement and drive to lead this agenda at scale. You will bring a strong track record of organisational development and transformation, alongside the ability to influence at the most senior levels and to translate strategy into meaningful, sustained change.

This is a role that requires both clarity and pace: establishing consistent expectations for leadership and performance, building organisational capability, and creating the conditions in which our people can thrive and deliver impact. You will work closely with colleagues across the University to ensure that people and culture are positioned as core enablers of institutional success.

The University of Bradford is defined by its commitment to inclusion, social mobility and real-world impact. We are ambitious for what comes next, and this role offers a significant opportunity to shape the culture, capability and performance of the institution for the future.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact:

• Sophie Rees on sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com, +44 (0)7719 313 982
• Kiersten Avery on kiersten.avery@andersonquigley.com, +44 (0)7510 384 735

For further information, including how to apply, please visit: University of Bradford – Chief People Officer | AQ

Closing Date: 04 Jun 2026

Department: Professional Services

Salary: Competitive Salary

At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last five years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Safeguarding

The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.

Directorate

The People, Culture and Wellbeing Directorate promotes a supportive, inclusive environment. The nursery reflects this by providing high-quality early years care and education. Aligned with the University’s values, it nurtures children’s development and supports families, creating a caring, community-focused space that positively impacts the wider University community.

What you will be doing:

• Support children’s learning and development through planned activities and play.
• Act as a key person, building positive relationships with children and families.
• Assist in delivering the EYFS curriculum under supervision of senior staff.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive learning environment.
• Carry out daily care routines, including mealtimes, toileting, and hygiene.

Qualifications/ experience:

• English GCSE (Grade C/Level 2 or above) or equivalent (essential)
• Experience working with children aged 0–5 years (essential)
• Awareness of the EYFS Framework and child development (essential)
• Good IT, communication, and teamwork skills (essential)
• Flexible, reliable, and eager to learn (essential)

We would prefer if you are a qualified level 2 or 3 Early Years Practitioner

Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford 

Within the nursery team, males are underrepresented. We therefore welcome applications from males to help create a more balanced and inclusive workforce. This positive action does not disadvantage applicants of other genders.

At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

In Return we Offer:

• 25 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
• Family-friendly policies
• Great campus facilities

Find more information about the many other benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes and campus nursery.

Additional Information:

If you would like to find out more, please message, email or call Rochelle Smith - R.Higginbotham@bradford.ac.uk on 01274 234866 & R.Higginbotham@bradford.ac.uk, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV to R.Higginbotham@bradford.ac.uk. 

Closing Date: 29 May 2026

Department: Professional Services