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- Tasks: Lead HR, staff culture, and daily operations at a top independent school.
- Company: Albyn School is a prestigious institution in Aberdeen, empowering students since 1867.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a focus on wellbeing and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community dedicated to shaping future leaders and making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with strategic HR experience and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Albyn values diversity and encourages 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. That same principle of empowerment still defines us today.
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 & Culture (, , United Kingdom)
✨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 shaped organisational culture in previous roles. Highlighting your strategic and operational HR experience will showcase your capability to fulfil the demands of the Director of People & Culture position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to wellbeing and staff engagement by sharing initiatives you've implemented in the past. This will illustrate your alignment with Albyn's focus on creating a rewarding environment for both staff and pupils.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Culture (, , United Kingdom)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Director of People & 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 and community, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their educational goals.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is polished and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
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. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs will demonstrate your commitment to their ethos of empowerment and inclusivity.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
As a CIPD qualified professional, be prepared to discuss your strategic and operational HR experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully shaped organisational culture or improved staff engagement, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
The role requires working closely with both operational and academic colleagues. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated in previous roles, particularly in enhancing the experience for staff and pupils.
✨Prepare Questions About Culture and Wellbeing
Demonstrating your interest in the wellbeing of staff and pupils is crucial. Prepare thoughtful questions about how Albyn School fosters a positive culture and supports mental health, showing that you are genuinely invested in these areas.
