At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic HR initiatives and support educational leaders in optimising workforce planning.
- Company: Join CATS Global Schools, a top education group shaping future leaders.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like a cycle scheme, tech scheme, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR expertise.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 and experience in education HR management required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Join to apply for the Senior HR Business Partner role at CATS Global Schools. Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom.
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, our group brings together 16 institutions—including 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 education that develops real‑life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from 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.
Role Overview: The Senior HR Business Partner (HRBP) will play a pivotal strategic role within the group. Acting as a trusted advisor, the postholder will support head teachers and the senior leadership team, providing expert HR leadership across the full employee lifecycle. The focus will be on strategic workforce planning, budget alignment and staff optimisation to ensure resources are effectively deployed to deliver outstanding educational outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide strategic workforce planning and optimisation insights.
- Align HR budget with educational objectives.
- Support head teachers and senior leadership as a trusted advisor.
- Lead cross‑organisational HR initiatives, embedding evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Advise the board on school budgets and teacher‑pupil ratios.
- Champion proactive workforce management across the school network.
Academic Requirements:
- CIPD Level 7.
- Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Knowledge & Experience:
- Excellent knowledge of Employment Law.
- In‑depth knowledge of managing school budgets in relation to workforce planning.
- Experience working in a fast‑paced, evolving education group.
- 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 written and verbal communication skills.
- Self‑motivated with ability to prioritise workload effectively with minimal supervision.
- Problem‑solving abilities.
- Exceptional time‑management and organisational skills, able 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 Cash Plan.
- 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 events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice for all.
Safeguarding: CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well‑being of children and young people. Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines, including satisfactory references, enhanced DBS, and if applicable, international equivalents. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to online checks including social media.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Human Resources
Industries: Human Resources Services
Senior HR Business Partner in Cambridge employer: CATS Global Schools
CATS Global Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior HR Business Partner, you will have the opportunity to shape strategic workforce planning while benefiting from a comprehensive range of employee perks, including financial wellbeing support and enhanced parental leave. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, CATS Global Schools fosters an environment where every team member can grow and contribute meaningfully to the education of future leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Business Partner in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior HR Business Partner role. 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 those interviews by researching CATS Global Schools thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent initiatives. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the strategic workforce planning and budget management they’re looking for. We want to make sure you can confidently showcase your skills and how they’ll benefit the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for the next steps in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Business Partner in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior HR Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in strategic workforce planning and budget management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at CATS Global Schools. Share specific examples of how you've supported leadership teams and driven HR initiatives in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of employment law and school budget management in your application. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how your expertise can benefit our educational objectives.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at CATS Global Schools!
How to prepare for a job interview at CATS Global Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and workforce planning. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but you can apply it in a real-world context.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've successfully aligned HR strategies with educational objectives in the past. This role is all about strategic workforce planning, so demonstrating your experience in this area will set you apart.
✨Build Rapport
As a Senior HR Business Partner, relationship-building is key. Practice your interpersonal skills before the interview. Think about how you can connect with the interviewers and show them that you can be a trusted advisor to head teachers and senior leadership.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to budget management or staff optimisation. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to problem-solving, as this will demonstrate your critical thinking skills.
