White Horse Employment are proud to be partnering exclusively with a growing and values-led organisation within the Education sector to support the appointment of a newly created Head of Human Resources position.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced HR leader to shape and develop a high-performing, organisation-wide HR function within a complex and evolving environment.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will take full responsibility for the HR function, leading both strategy and operational delivery across multiple sites.
This role will play a key part in supporting long-term organisational growth, ensuring HR practices are efficient, compliant, and aligned with wider strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
* Developing and delivering a people strategy aligned to organisational goals
* Partnering with senior leaders on workforce planning, organisational design, and long-term sustainability
* Leading organisational change, restructures, and growth initiatives
* Overseeing and improving HR systems, processes, and data to drive consistency and efficiency
* Ensuring robust employee relations practices and managing complex casework
* Driving recruitment strategy, retention, and succession planning
* Ensuring compliance across safeguarding, employment law, and governance requirements
* Promoting a positive, inclusive culture with a strong focus on wellbeing and development
You will also lead and develop the HR team, ensuring a high-quality service across the full employee lifecycle.
Experience & Knowledge:
* Proven experience leading an HR function at a senior level
* Experience within a complex or regulated environment, ideally education
* Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
* Experience of managing organisational change, restructures, and TUPE
* Demonstrable experience of improving HR systems, processes, and efficiencies
* Experience using HR data and metrics to support strategic decision-making
* Understanding of safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements
Skills & Competencies:
* Strong leadership and people management skills
* Ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into insight
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
* Sound judgement and decision-making capability
Personal Attributes:
* High level of integrity and professionalism
* Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment
* Collaborative and supportive approach
* Commitment to inclusion, well-being, and continuous improvement
* Passion for delivering a high-quality employee experience
Qualifications
* CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification (or equivalent)
* A degree in HR, Business, or a related field is desirable
* Evidence of continued professional development
* Safeguarding training or willingness to undertake relevant training
What’s on Offer
* A key strategic leadership role with real scope to shape the HR function
* The opportunity to influence systems, processes, and ways of working
* A supportive and values-driven environment
* Flexible and hybrid working options where possible
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Annual pay review
* Strong commitment to professional development
* Access to wellbeing support and family-friendly policies
Additional Information
This role will involve travel across multiple sites.
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and the successful candidate will be required to adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.