Job Description
Are you a strategic, forward-thinking HR professional who’s passionate about creating exceptional workplaces? Do you thrive in environments where your expertise shapes culture, guides leaders, and directly impacts the life chances of young people?
We’re looking for an inspiring HR Leader to head up a progressive HR function within a values-driven school community. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead, influence and develop a truly people-centred strategy that supports staff, strengthens safeguarding, and champions equity and wellbeing.
What You’ll Be Doing
In this senior role, you’ll lead the delivery of a high-quality, modern HR service that meets the needs of the school today and supports its future growth. You will:
* Develop and implement an impactful People Strategy aligned to the school’s vision and values
* Act as a trusted advisor to Governors, the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leaders
* Shape and refine HR policies, processes and systems to ensure excellence, compliance and best practice
* Coach and support managers across the full HR lifecycle, including employee relations, capability, attendance, safeguarding, recruitment and performance
* Drive a school-wide approach to recruitment, retention, development, wellbeing, EDI and workforce planning
* Lead and develop the HR team, cultivating a supportive, high-performing and solutions-focused culture
* Partner with leaders to deliver positive organisational change, including TUPE, restructures and complex ER matters
* Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are fully embedded into HR practice
* Implement and monitor key HR metrics, using data to inform decisions and identify trends
* Represent HR at panels, hearings and high-profile meetings, providing confident, pragmatic and legally sound advice
* Oversee payroll accuracy and ensure high-quality HR information is produced and shared in a timely manner
Who We’re Looking For
You’ll be a resilient, motivated and emotionally intelligent HR professional who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will bring:
* Extensive experience in HR leadership, ideally within complex or education-related settings
* Strong employment law knowledge and confidence managing a broad range of ER cases
* Experience guiding senior leaders through change and organisational development
* The ability to coach, influence and build meaningful relationships across all levels
* A continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to innovate and drive best practice
* Superb communication skills, professional integrity and a commitment to confidentiality
* A genuine passion for safeguarding, inclusion, equality and improving outcomes for children
Values
You’ll be joining a team committed to:
* High expectations – ambitious for ourselves, our colleagues and our community
* Equity of opportunity – creating inclusive environments and removing barriers
* Championing success – supporting every child to thrive
Safeguarding Commitment
This role plays a key part in HR safeguarding processes. An enhanced DBS is required. The position is considered regulated activity due to regular access to children.
This is an opportunity to bring your expertise, ideas and leadership to a role where HR truly matters. You will shape culture, influence positive change and contribute to the success and wellbeing of staff and students across the school.