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- Tasks: Lead HR, staff culture, and daily operations to create a rewarding environment for all.
- Company: Albyn School is a prestigious independent school in Aberdeen, fostering academic excellence and community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work culture, professional development opportunities, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to empowering young people and shaping a positive organisational culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with strategic HR experience and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Albyn values inclusivity and encourages diverse applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Founded in 1867, Albyn School (‘Albyn’) is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, offering an exceptional education to pupils from nursery through to sixth form. Located in the heart of Aberdeen, we combine academic excellence with a vibrant co-curricular offering, a strong sense of community, and a forward-thinking approach to learning and development.
Albyn was founded on a pioneering belief in empowerment, enabling young women to attend university and access opportunities that had long been denied to them. As a modern co-ed school, we believe in equipping every pupil to pursue their own path, while supporting others to do the same. This is why our school values centre on developing self-awareness, ambition, and an outward-looking mindset, so that Albyn pupils not only thrive, but contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
We are now looking to appoint a Director of People & Culture who will play a pivotal role in ensuring Albyn School operates efficiently, feels cohesive, and provides a professionally rewarding environment for staff and pupils alike. As a key member of the School Leadership Team (SLT), you will provide leadership across HR, staff culture, daily operations, admissions, marketing, co-curricular logistics, and user-facing digital systems.
This wide-ranging and integrated remit brings together several of the School’s core support functions, ensuring that operational delivery is aligned with Albyn’s values, supports its educational mission, and that more young people in Aberdeen and the North East benefit from all that an Albyn education offers.
The role requires a CIPD qualified HR professional with both strategic and operational experience. Candidates should bring strong interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively with operational and academic colleagues to deliver an exceptional experience for pupils, staff, and families alike. Bringing a strong track record of shaping and embedding a positive organisational culture, underpinned by inclusivity, wellbeing, and staff engagement, the successful candidate will also be values-led, people-focused, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of both staff and pupils.
Albyn is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Contact Detail:
Albyn School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People and Culture
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Albyn School's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to empowerment and inclusivity will help you align your approach and demonstrate how your experience can enhance their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at Albyn School. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which you can leverage during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully shaped organisational culture in previous roles. Highlighting your strategic and operational HR experience will showcase your capability to lead effectively within the school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to wellbeing and staff engagement by sharing initiatives you've implemented in the past. This will illustrate your people-focused approach and resonate with Albyn's emphasis on creating a rewarding environment for both staff and pupils.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Culture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of People and Culture position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, especially the emphasis on HR experience and leadership skills.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in HR, staff culture, and operational management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic and operational capabilities, as well as your commitment to inclusivity and wellbeing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of Albyn School's values and mission. Discuss how your background aligns with their focus on empowerment, community, and educational excellence, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their culture.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Albyn School
✨Understand the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Albyn School's core values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs, particularly in terms of inclusivity, wellbeing, and fostering a positive organisational culture.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a candidate for the Director of People and Culture, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've successfully shaped and implemented HR strategies in previous roles, focusing on enhancing staff engagement and promoting a cohesive work environment.
✨Highlight Interpersonal Skills
Given the importance of collaboration in this role, be ready to share specific instances where your interpersonal skills have made a difference. Discuss how you've influenced and negotiated with various stakeholders to achieve common goals, especially in educational or similar settings.
✨Prepare Questions About Culture and Wellbeing
Interviews are a two-way street, so come equipped with thoughtful questions about the school's culture and initiatives related to staff and pupil wellbeing. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you assess if Albyn is the right fit for you.
