WSR is recruiting for a Head of HR for our esteemed client in Milton Keynes.
Job Title: Head of HR (Education Sector)
Salary: Up to £64,500k DOE
Location: Milton Keynes, Fully site based
Working Hours: Monday–Thursday 08:15–16:20 | Friday 08:15–14:15
Role Type: Full time - Permanent
Are you an experienced HR leader within the education sector, ready to shape strategy at a senior level and make a lasting impact across a multi-site organisation?
This is a rare opportunity to join a well-established and values-driven education provider, supporting multiple sites and a workforce of around 200 staff. With education at its core, this organisation is committed to delivering high-quality outcomes and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for both staff and learners.
Head of HR Role Overview:
As Head of HR, you’ll play a pivotal role in leading and delivering a people strategy that supports both organisational performance and educational excellence.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you’ll work closely with senior leaders across multiple education settings—providing strategic guidance while ensuring HR operations run smoothly and compliantly within a highly regulated sector.
This is a broad, influential standalone position combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery across all areas of HR.
Head of HR Responsibilities:
Leading the development and implementation of a sector-specific People Strategy aligned with educational priorities
Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and board-level stakeholders on workforce planning, organisational design and change
Driving staff engagement, retention and succession planning across multiple education sites
Leading on complex employee relations cases within a unionised education environment
Ensuring full compliance with safeguarding requirements, safer recruitment practices and current employment legislation
Overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes in line with education sector standards
Managing payroll processes and liaising with external providers
Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation
Using HR data and workforce metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
Head of HR Skills, Experience and Qualifications:
This role requires a strong understanding of the education landscape. You’ll be confident navigating its complexities, from safeguarding and compliance to sector-specific terms and conditions.
We’re looking for someone who brings:
Significant senior HR experience within the education sector (essential) (may consider experience within public sector)
Trade Union Experience preferred
A strong track record of developing and delivering people strategies in schools, trusts or similar settings
In-depth knowledge of safeguarding requirements and safer recruitment practices
Strong understanding of education-specific frameworks, policies and employment conditions
Experience managing complex HR casework in a unionised environment
The ability to influence, challenge and support senior stakeholders
A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with excellent communication skills
A CIPD Level 7 qualification (or working towards) is expected.
Why This Role?
This is a unique opportunity to step into a senior leadership role where your expertise in education HR will directly shape organisational success and support positive outcomes across multiple settings.
You’ll have the autonomy to influence strategy, the scope to lead meaningful change, and the chance to be part of an organisation that genuinely values its people and their development.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your HR leadership career within education, this is an opportunity not to miss.
Please click ‘APPLY NOW’, or call the WSR Team at (phone number removed) for more info.
We appreciate the time and effort invested in your application. While we strive to respond to all applicants promptly, we kindly ask for your understanding in case of delays. If you do not hear from us within 10 days of submitting your application, please assume that, unfortunately, you have not been successful this time.
We will however keep your CV on file and review your suitability against any other vacancies we may have available