ABOUT CATS CAMBRIDGE
CATS College offers an outstanding international pre-university educational experience to students aged 14+ from all over the world. Students live and work at the custom-built Cambridge campus, studying for GCSEs, A levels and University Foundation Programmes, and preparing for admission to universities across the country and elsewhere. We pride ourselves on our approach to teaching and learning, with small class sizes and an informal atmosphere ensuring that students are treated as individuals and build great relationships with staff. We are committed to the safeguarding, health and well-being of our students.
JOB OVERVIEW
The HR Business Partner is responsible for leading the HR function at CATS Cambridge. This role provides expert HR guidance and strategic support to staff and senior leaders, ensuring compliance with employment law and best practices while fostering a positive, high-performing work culture. The successful candidate will be a proactive and pragmatic HR professional with strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills. This role require presence onsite 5 days per week at CATS Cambridge (CB4 1NQ).
For a full-overview of responsibilities, please refer to the job description.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications & Knowledge:
• Bachelor's degree (2nd class or higher) in a relevant field.
• CIPD Level 5 or higher (or an equivalent HR-related qualification).
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law.
• Extensive experience in HR policy development, employee relations, and change management.
HR Experience & Expertise:
• Proven ability to coach managers and handle complex HR cases.
• Experience leading and delivering HR projects from inception to completion.
• Significant expertise in organisational change management.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs, both in-house and with external providers.
Technical & Analytical Skills:
• Experience using HRIS systems and generating management reports.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to find creative solutions.
Interpersonal & Organisational Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities, with the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently, balancing strategic and operational HR priorities.
• Experience of dealing with a range of stakeholders and being able to adapt approach and style.
• Ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly and under pressure with minimal supervision.
• High levels of tact, diplomacy, and empathy in handling sensitive situations.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to take initiative.
Desirable Skills, Qualifications & Experience
• CIPD Level 7.
• HR experience within an education setting.
• Experience in providing expertise and leadership in TUPE transfers, ensuring legal compliance and effective communication with staff.
COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.