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- Tasks: Lead people transformation and support the Group’s people strategy across multiple education sites.
- Company: Join the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and organisational success while shaping cultural transformation.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with a collaborative approach and knowledge of complex organisations.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive HR peer environment with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Location: Kettering
Salary: circa £50,000 per annum
Expires: 12/02/2026 23:59
Role Purpose
Lead people transformation and support delivery of the Group’s people strategy across a multi-site education environment. The strategic direction is established; the focus is on evolving delivery, strengthening culture, and enabling sustainable organisational effectiveness. You will work as part of a peer group of HR leaders to deliver meaningful, practical change that supports staff and students.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with leaders and HR leaders to deliver people-focused transformation
- Support cultural development and organisational change initiatives
- Contribute to workforce efficiencies and sustainable people solutions
- Provide pragmatic guidance on complex people matters where required
- Work collaboratively at Head-of-HR level to align priorities and share impact
- Balance influence with appropriate authority in decision‑making
- Operate effectively across a multi-site, matrix environment
Person Specification
We Are Seeking a Candidate Who Is:
- A credible HR leader with experience in complex organisations
- Collaborative, diplomatic and measured in approach
- Motivated to deliver outcomes and progress initiatives
- Comfortable influencing at leadership level
- Commercially aware and data‑informed
- Knowledgeable about, or genuinely interested in, the education sector
- Experience in multi-site or matrix organisations is beneficial
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to contribute to people and cultural transformation
- Collaborative HR peer environment
- Ability to shape how strategy translates into delivery
- Role with real impact on education and organisational success
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Siltonerace circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Our Values
- Valuing Teamwork - We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously - We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred - At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive - We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring - We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence - We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
Safeguarding Our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Terms and Conditions - Bedford College
- 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
- 35 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Retail and leisure discounts
Regional Group Head of HR in Kettering employer: Central Bedfordshire College
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Group Head of HR in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of The Bedford College Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding their values. The Bedford College Group is all about teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Show how your experience aligns with these values during your chat!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led people transformation or supported cultural change in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a credible HR leader.
✨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 the team at The Bedford College Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Group Head of HR in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR leadership, especially in complex organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of people transformation and cultural development.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since we value teamwork, share examples of how you've worked collaboratively with leaders and HR teams in the past. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our peer environment and support meaningful change.
Be Data-Informed: Demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to use data in decision-making. We’re looking for someone who can provide pragmatic guidance on people matters, so include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real impact in education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire College
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research The Bedford College Group thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments in the education sector. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their people strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the role's focus on cultural development and organisational change, be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully led transformation initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your collaborative approach and ability to influence at leadership levels.
✨Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset
As a credible HR leader, it's crucial to highlight your commercial awareness and data-informed decision-making. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive workforce efficiencies or support complex people matters. This will align with the organisation's emphasis on sustainable solutions and effective outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires working closely with other HR leaders and stakeholders across multiple sites. Be prepared to discuss how you've fostered teamwork and collaboration in previous roles. Highlight your diplomatic approach and how it has helped you navigate complex environments while achieving meaningful change.
