Deputy Director of People & Culture (1FTE) - Internal Vacancy for RCA Employees Only (116-26)

The Royal College of Art is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Deputy Director of People and Culture to help lead the delivery of our People Strategy and support the College’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030.

Working closely with the Director of People and Culture, you will provide operational leadership across the People and Culture function during a period of significant organisational change. You will translate strategic priorities into effective, responsive and high-quality services that support our staff and enable excellence in education, research and innovation.

You will lead initiatives to strengthen staff experience, wellbeing, inclusion and belonging, embedding the RCA’s values of collaboration, curiosity, inclusion and integrity into everyday working practices. You will also drive improvements in workforce planning, employee relations, HR systems, data and service delivery, ensuring our policies, processes and practices remain effective, inclusive and legally compliant.

Working in partnership with Deans, Directors, academic leaders and professional services colleagues, you will help build a diverse, high-performing community and support the development of leadership capability across the College. You will also maintain constructive relationships with recognised trade unions and deputise for the Director on committees, working groups and project boards as required.

You will bring substantial senior HR operational management experience, ideally within a complex organisation undergoing transformation. You will have a proven track record of leading effective HR services and teams, translating strategy into practical outcomes, embedding EDI, and improving processes through digital systems and workforce data. Strong knowledge of UK employment law, experience in a unionised environment, and excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership skills are essential.

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the RCA’s people agenda, helping shape an inclusive, supportive and high-performing workplace for our creative community.

Closing date: 23 October 2026 at 11.59pm
Interviews: Week commencing 25 October 2026

If you have the experience, vision and commitment to help shape the future of People and Culture at the RCA, we encourage you to apply, using the short application form with upload for CV/covering letter.

Please see Information pack for more details of this exciting role.

Closing for Internal applications: 11.59pm on 23 October 2026

Interviews are expected to take place on 3rd or 5th November 2026.

Closing Date: 23 Oct 2026

Programme/Department: Senior Manager - Non academic