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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations, ensuring compliance and fostering a people-focused culture.
- Company: Join a prestigious educational institution committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience while shaping the future of HR in education.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and CIPD Level 7 required; extensive senior HR leadership experience preferred.
- Other info: Be part of key committees and lead strategic HR initiatives that drive change.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a prestigious educational institution in search of an Interim Head of HR to provide both strategic direction and operational leadership across all HR functions. This is a pivotal role that aligns people practices with the College’s core values of inclusivity, sustainability, and wellbeing. As the most senior HR professional in the College, you will advise on complex HR issues, lead a capable HR team, and ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation while fostering a high-performing, people-focused culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic HR Leadership
- Develop and implement a forward-thinking HR strategy aligned with the Institutions vision and long-term objectives.
- Act as a key advisor to senior leadership and Council on workforce planning, talent development, and strategic HR initiatives.
- Lead, mentor, and support the HR team, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.
- Ensure all HR policies and practices remain legally compliant and reflect best practice.
- Serve as the lead HR Business Partner and principal contact for complex employment law matters.
- Manage the HR budget and work with Finance to optimise HR systems and resources.
- Operational HR Delivery
- Provide expert, solutions-focused advice to leaders, managers, and staff across academic and support functions.
- Oversee employee relations and ensure fair, consistent handling of complex HR cases.
- Lead on recruitment, onboarding, and job design, ensuring consistency with organisational needs.
- Drive performance management, learning and development, and feedback frameworks.
- Ensure compliance with immigration and visa requirements (UKVI), and oversee accurate and secure HR data management.
- Champion staff wellbeing, occupational health, and a strong induction process.
- Liaise closely with the Secretary to Council on governance, fellowship, and related matters.
- Policy, Governance & Compliance
- Ensure all HR policies and procedures are legally compliant, up-to-date, and clearly communicated.
- Provide guidance on statutory obligations and work closely with governance colleagues to uphold compliance.
- Strengthen internal HR governance frameworks and reporting processes.
- Committee Engagement
- Actively contribute to key committees including the Employment Consultative Committee, HR Committee, and Prevent Committee.
- Offer expert insights on legislative changes and HR policy matters.
- Oversee secretariat support for HR-related committees.
- Project & Change Management
- Lead strategic HR initiatives such as staff surveys, pay and benefits reviews, and workforce planning projects.
- Champion organisational development and change initiatives that enhance employee experience and engagement.
- Monitor external HR trends and introduce innovative practices aligned with institutional goals.
Candidate Profile:
Qualifications & Experience
- Educated to degree level (essential).
- CIPD Level 7 or equivalent postgraduate qualification (essential).
- Extensive senior-level HR leadership experience, ideally with a strong background in business partnering.
- Proven track record of delivering change and implementing HR systems. (Desirable)
- Experience within higher education or a similar academic/collegiate setting.
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
Skills & Attributes
- Credible advisor and coach with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing capabilities.
- Strategic mindset combined with hands-on operational delivery.
- Resilient, organised, and adaptable to a dynamic working environment.
- Collaborative leader with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
- Tech-savvy, with proficiency in HRIS and Microsoft Office tools.
- Professional, discreet, and aligned with the values of integrity and inclusion.
Head of Human Resources employer: Burman Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Burman Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector. Attend HR conferences or webinars focused on educational institutions to connect with potential colleagues and learn about industry trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific values and mission of the institution you're applying to. Tailor your discussions during interviews to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic HR initiatives in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully implemented change and improved HR practices in previous roles, particularly in a collegiate or academic setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on UK employment law and best practices. Being knowledgeable about recent changes will not only help you in interviews but also position you as a credible advisor to the institution's leadership.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive senior-level HR leadership experience and aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your strategic mindset and hands-on operational delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the institution's core values of inclusivity, sustainability, and wellbeing. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to their HR strategy.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, including your degree and CIPD Level 7 or equivalent qualification. Mention any additional training or certifications that are relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you have led and mentored HR teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a high-performing, people-focused culture and your experience in managing complex HR issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As the Head of HR, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement a forward-thinking HR strategy. Be prepared to discuss how you align HR initiatives with organisational goals and share examples of past successes in strategic planning.
✨Highlight Your Compliance Knowledge
Given the importance of compliance in this role, ensure you articulate your understanding of UK employment law and best practices. Prepare to discuss how you've ensured legal compliance in previous positions and how you would approach this in the new role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Development Skills
This position requires leading and mentoring an HR team. Share specific examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Complex HR Scenarios
Be ready to discuss complex HR issues you've navigated, particularly in employee relations and performance management. Think about how you handled these situations and what outcomes were achieved, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
