Job Description
ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts school, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada and China. Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities. We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Senior HR Business Partner (HRBP) will play a pivotal strategic role within the Group, acting as a trusted advisor to Head Teachers and Senior Leadership Teams, as well as the wider HR Team. The postholder will provide expert HR leadership across the full employee lifecycle, with a particular focus on complex employee relations, TUPE, and the application of advanced employment law knowledge. They will ensure that people practices are fair, compliant, and aligned to the Group’s commitment to delivering an outstanding educational experience.
This role requires a high level of technical expertise in UK Employment Law, including its application in regulated education environments. The postholder must demonstrate the confidence to manage sensitive, high-risk cases, provide authoritative interpretation of legislation and case law, and support leaders through change, conflict resolution, and staff engagement challenges.
The Senior HRBP will also contribute to cross-organisational HR initiatives, embedding a culture of consistency, transparency, and strong employee experience across the school network. Previous experience in a senior HR role within a large or multi-site education organisation is essential.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Academic:
• CIPD Level7.
• Undergraduate Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Knowledge & Experience:
• Excellent knowledge of Employment Law.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of managing school budgets in relation to workforce planning
• Experience of working in a fast paced, evolving company.
• Experience of working in the education industry
Skills:
• Professional credibility.
• Excellent relationship building skills.
• Strong influencing skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Good numeracy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, driven, able to work on own initiative to prioritise own workload effectively with minimal supervision.
• Problem solver.
• Exceptional time management & organisational skills, has the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
BENEFITS
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Car Scheme
• Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
• Free eye tests
• Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group income protection
• GP24: GP Access for all
• Health CashPlan
• Death in Service
• Long service awards
• Employee referral scheme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
OUR 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.