At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives to create high-performing and inclusive workplaces.
- Company: Join an outstanding college committed to employee development and diversity.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexible working, staff discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a sustainability agenda aiming for net zero environmental impact.
- Why this job: Shape organisational culture and drive transformation in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience with a focus on strategy and talent management.
We are seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Director of People & Performance to lead our People & Performance function at a strategic level. This is a pivotal leadership role for an experienced senior HR professional who is passionate about creating high-performing, inclusive and engaged workplaces. You will play a key role in shaping organisational culture, leading workforce transformation and ensuring we attract, develop and retain outstanding talent.
You will provide strategic leadership across the full employee lifecycle, driving innovation in recruitment, talent management, organisational development, employee relations, performance and workforce planning. You will also hold overall responsibility for the outsourced payroll function, ensuring an efficient, accurate and compliant service.
Working closely with senior leaders across the College, you will act as a trusted strategic partner, bringing insight, challenge and expertise to support organisational priorities and long-term success.
Key responsibilitiesIn this role, you will:
- Lead the People & Performance service as a strategic enabler of College priorities
- Develop and deliver an ambitious People Strategy aligned to workforce planning, succession and organisational goals
- Drive organisational design, change and transformation programmes
- Lead innovative recruitment and talent strategies to attract diverse, high-quality candidates
- Embed a strong talent management and leadership development framework
- Build leadership capability through effective business partnering, coaching and challenge
- Champion a high-performance, inclusive and values-driven culture
- Lead employee engagement, wellbeing and attendance strategies
- Oversee complex employee relations matters, restructures, consultation and organisational change
- Maintain effective trade union relationships and partnership working
- Ensure compliant, efficient and high-quality HR operations
- Hold overall strategic and operational responsibility for payroll, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant delivery
- Oversee workforce systems, people data and reporting to drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making
We are looking for a credible and strategic senior leader with:
- Significant experience in senior HR leadership roles, with a strong focus on strategy, transformation and talent
- A track record of delivering organisational change, workforce planning and people strategy
- Strong recruitment, organisational development and talent management expertise
- Experience of influencing and partnering with senior stakeholders and leaders
- Strong understanding of employment law, employee relations and HR governance
- Experience overseeing payroll or related operational functions
- A proactive, data-informed and solutions-focused approach
You will be:
- Strategic, commercially aware and outcome-focused
- A confident and credible leader who can influence, challenge and inspire
- Collaborative, inclusive and values-driven
- Passionate about creating positive workplace cultures and enabling organisational success
Burton and South Derbyshire College is an Ofsted outstanding College. We value our employees and have a number of additional benefits to offer the successful applicant:
- Generous pension schemes for academic and support staff
- Generous holiday plans
- Salary sacrifice holiday purchase scheme
- Free Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working policies
- Competitive maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Excellent staff training programme, including two staff development days per year
- On-site nursery with Good Ofsted rating
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free annual eye tests
- Access to our onsite gym
- Staff discounts at our fine dining restaurant, The Mulberry, our Mulberry Bistro and Innovations Hair and Beauty salon
- Reward and recognition through our Employee of the Month scheme
- Discounted health cash plan
- BHN Extras discount scheme
Burton and South Derbyshire College are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture and you should share those values. We would welcome applications from all candidates, including under-represented groups in respect of age, disability, sex, gender or gender identity, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status which would reflect our diverse community.
The College is registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service and the successful applicants for this post will be required to apply for the Disclosure at the enhanced level. In addition, internet searches will be undertaken in accordance with the KCSIE guidance. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are committed to a sustainability agenda and are working hard towards achieving a net zero environmental impact. We aim to embed this in our culture with our staff, learners, visitors and suppliers all expected to show dedication towards reducing our carbon footprint.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon, Friday 5th June 2026 with the intention to interview on 23rd and 24th June 2026. Please see our “Work For Us” page on the College website for more information on how to complete the application. Please note late applications are not acceptable.
Director of People & Performance in Burton upon Trent employer: Burton and South Derbyshire College
Burton and South Derbyshire College is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and high-performing workplace, employees benefit from generous pension schemes, flexible working policies, and extensive training opportunities. The College fosters a supportive culture where innovation in people management is encouraged, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education.
Contact Detail:
Burton and South Derbyshire College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People & Performance in Burton upon Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around creating inclusive and high-performing workplaces.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for People & Performance and how you can drive organisational change. Confidence is key, so rehearse with a friend or in front of the mirror.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People & Performance in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our People & Performance function!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a Director of People & Performance, your leadership approach is crucial. Use your application to demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. We love seeing examples of how you've influenced positive change!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for creating inclusive workplaces and how you embody our values. This helps us get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and keep you updated on the process. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burton and South Derbyshire College
✨Know Your People Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the college's current People Strategy. Understand their goals and how you can contribute to shaping an inclusive and high-performing culture. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past that align with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of People & Performance, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to influence and inspire teams. Think about times when you've successfully led organisational change or developed talent management frameworks, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with Their Values
Burton and South Derbyshire College values inclusivity and collaboration. Familiarise yourself with their core values and think about how your personal values align. During the interview, express your passion for creating positive workplace cultures and how you can champion these values within the organisation.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions around complex employee relations matters and organisational change. Prepare to discuss your approach to handling such situations, including any relevant legislation or best practices. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
