Chief People and Transformation Officer

Chief People and Transformation Officer
Closing date 10am, Monday 21stSeptember 2026

Queens University Belfast is a leading centre of academic excellence with a distinguished heritage and a global outlook. Founded in 1845, it has grown into a world-class institution with over 25,000 students and 4,000 staff. A top 200 university globally (QS Rankings 2026), Queens combines tradition with innovation, and local impact with international reach.

We are now seeking to appoint a Chief People and Transformation Officer (CPTO), a significant new executive leadership role that will help shape the future direction, culture, and organisational capability of the University. As a member of the University Executive Board, the CPTO will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious people and organisational transformation agenda aligned to the Universitys strategic priorities.

The postholder will provide strategic leadership across people, culture, and organisational change, ensuring the University continues to attract, develop and retain exceptional talent in an increasingly complex and evolving higher education environment. The CPTO will lead institution-wide transformation initiatives, including culture change, workforce modernisation aligned with digital transformation, helping to position Queens to thrive in a landscape increasingly shaped by technological advancement and AI-enabled ways of working.

The role carries responsibility for the leadership of the People & Culture Directorate alongside oversight of professional and technical services delivery within faculties and schools. Working collaboratively across the institution, the CPTO will build strong partnerships with academic and professional services leaders to enhance organisational effectiveness, staff experience, and operational performance.

Candidates will bring a proven track record of senior leadership through people and organisational transformation, achieved within large and complex organisations, alongside experience of leading significant change programmes with measurable impact. Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, strategic judgement and the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholder groups will be essential. A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, organisational excellence and continuous improvement will also be critical to success in the role.

Please visit Clarendon Executive for further details and to download the relevant documentation for this role. Applications or enquiries should be directed to Joanne McAuley at Clarendon Executive.

Queen's University Belfast is committed to being representative of the community they serve and welcomes all applicants.

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