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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and manage a dynamic team at Fettes College.
- Company: Join the prestigious Fettes College, known for its commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, gym membership, and competitive salary up to ÂŁ80,000.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff development and school culture.
- Qualifications: Significant HR management experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workforce and contribute to a positive school environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Director of Human Resources to join Fettes College to assume full responsibility for the ongoing development and management of the Human Resources function. Reporting to the Bursar and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the role is supported by a Human Resources Team comprising an HR Business Partner and an HR Administrator.
The key accountabilities of the role are set out below:
- Human Resources Strategy
- Work with the Bursar, Head and Governors to develop the School’s Human Resources strategy, specifically around:
- succession planning;
- structure, workforce and people strategy;
- culture and engagement;
- HR’s role in organisational change;
- Develop and maintain Human Resources policies and procedures in line with the school’s strategy.
- Oversee the delivery of high-quality advice and HR support from the HR Business Partner and HR Administrator, embedding HR at all levels in the College;
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, e.g. Disclosure Scotland PVG system, Right to Work checks, etc.;
- Support and coach the development of managers to be the best people managers they can be, including developing a suite of “management toolkits”.
- Manage issues of inter-employee relationships to an appropriate conclusion to include communication with relevant parties;
- Provide employment advice and practical support to senior managers;
- Undertake and attend disciplinary and grievance investigations and/or chair disciplinary and grievance hearings or appeals, as appropriate, acting as an adviser when required;
- Seek and assess appropriate professional employment advice when required.
- Support the Head and senior teaching staff in the delivery of the teacher personal career development review;
- Support the Bursar and the Operational Managers to ensure that the annual appraisal process for Operational staff is delivered in a meaningful way, tracking and monitoring training and development needs;
- Develop an effective continuing professional development (CPD) strategy for all staff with supporting policies and procedures;
- Maintain oversight of the effective CPD management of staff from induction, through probation to performance appraisal and development;
- Advise senior managers and academic heads of department on the correct procedures to be followed in managing staff performance including absence and sickness.
- Develop and manage the school’s staff training and development strategy and policies for operational staff;
- Support the school’s senior management in the effective induction of all new staff;
- Advise the Head and Bursar on appropriate staff training and development procedures to develop and retain talent.
- Ensure that the HR Team maintains accurate personnel records (Ciphr) and complies with all applicable regulations;
- Lead the team to oversee the onboarding, induction and probation processes.
- Keep up to date with changes in employment legislation, guidance and good practice and advise the school accordingly;
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, guidance and good practice, regulatory requirements and the school’s policies;
- Ensure all terms and conditions, Health and Safety, Staff handbook and other policy documentation are legally compliant, regularly updated and communicated to department heads (as appropriate);
- Keep abreast of current trends within the sector, including engagement with trades unions;
- Support departments with the hiring of consultants, peripatetic staff, etc. through the use of Self-Employed Agreements.
- Ensure effective communication with all staff on Human Resources and other relevant matters;
- Attend and present at INSET and other meetings;
- Seek to build long-term relationships across all levels of the organisation and promote a positive vision of the Human Resources function.
- Lead and deliver resourcing plans to attract candidates with potential, ensuring that the HR Teams support the full recruitment cycle;
- Participate in interviews, etc. for key positions;
- Oversee the production of all HR-related paperwork, e.g. offer letters, contracts of employment, etc.;
- Support departments with tools to aid the recruitment of their team members, including ensuring Safer Recruitment compliance;
- Assist the senior management of the school to develop and deliver a succession and staff plan to meet future School requirements;
- Oversee the PVG process through Disclosure Scotland and ensure all right to work checks are undertaken.
- Provide a clear sense of direction to achieve the Human Resources strategy and plans;
- Act as a role model and coach and inspire with energy and enthusiasm.
- Support the payroll department by ensuring the HR function provides timely, clear remuneration information;
- Help to lead the operational staff remuneration review process prior to the Bursar making a recommendation to Governors;
- Support the teaching staff remuneration process prior to the recommendation to Governors.
- Provide reports, information, etc. to assist in decision making, completion of surveys, etc.;
- Manage the process involved with the allocation of Fettes-owned residential accommodation, e.g. Varcity apartments and houses, East Lodge, etc. in conjunction with the Head/Bursar and Estates/Housekeeping;
- Undertake continuous professional development as required;
- Work always within the school’s policies and procedures, ensuring compliance, inter alia, with the School’s Safer Recruitment Policy, Safeguarding Policy and Child Protection procedures and Codes of Conduct, the School’s Health and Safety Policy.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and Experience
- Essential
- Significant experience in Human Resources management including structural review and implementation, as well as the development and implementation of new policies and procedures and direct management of HR casework;
- Detailed knowledge of Employment law and HR practice and how to apply this in the workplace;
- Track record of delivering against objectives;
- Ability to manage a team, as well as multiple stakeholders and to interact well with people;
- Ability to work independently;
- An excellent standard of literacy and numeracy.
- Desirable
- Experience of having operated in a standalone, senior Human Resources role in a multi-faceted business;
- Experience of HR management information systems;
- Educated to degree level or equivalent and Chartered CIPD membership;
- Experience of working in an education environment;
- Evidence of continuous professional development;
- Awareness of the importance of safeguarding and safer recruitment.
Skills and Attributes
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- Highly motivated with a proactive and creative approach to work;
- Ability to influence and provide management coaching;
- Strong business acumen and commercial awareness;
- Strong attention to detail;
- Excellent time management skills;
- Professional manner and approach;
- Excellent IT skills.
Fettes College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
BENEFITS
This is a permanent full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday (8.30 am to 5 pm, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break) and occasional weekend and evening working as required, including attending specific events, etc. The nature of a boarding school means that you may be called on outwith normal working hours to support the SLT.
Annual Salary: Up to ÂŁ80,000 depending on experience.
Staff Benefits:
- 30 days holidays and 8 days public holidays, generally taken outside term time.
- Parking within the campus grounds. The campus is easily accessed by car and bus; there is a bus stop located outside the campus serving several routes across the city and to rail stations.
- Membership of Westwoods gym and health club which offers a range of excellent fitness and leisure facilities including a 25m swimming pool.
- Free lunchtime meals during term time, and at other times when catering is provided, and you are on duty.
- Life insurance scheme (3x base salary).
- Excellent Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- You will be opted into the Fettes College Pension Plan after 3 months’ service. This scheme is a money purchase one, operating as a salary exchange plan. The College will contribute to the scheme a minimum of 8% and you will contribute a minimum of 2%. Fettes operate a contribution matching scheme up to 12% of base salary.
- Access to discounted healthcare, additional life insurance, shopping discounts, etc through our 4me benefits portal.
Application Process
The closing date for applications for this role is Wednesday 4th March 2026. Interviews will be held in the w/c 9th March 2026. To apply please go to our website. All applicants are asked to provide, as well as a CV, a cover letter setting out how you meet the person specification and what you feel you can bring to this role. Our Bursar, Peter Worlledge, is available to have an informal conversation with any potential candidate prior to applying. If this is of interest to you, please contact Fettes College to arrange a time to speak with Peter.
An offer of employment will be subject to two satisfactory references and a clean report being obtained from the Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme in view of the contact you will have with children during your normal duties.
We are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and welcome applications from under-represented communities. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates. If you would like to have an informal chat about the inclusive culture at Fettes College, or have any questions about how this might work for you, please contact Anushka Chakravarty (Deputy Head (Academic).
Director of Human Resources in Edinburgh employer: Fettes College
Contact Detail:
Fettes College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Human Resources in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Fettes College. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Fettes College's culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural you'll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Human Resources in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in HR management and how it aligns with Fettes College's needs. We want to see your personality shine through while keeping it professional!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver against objectives. Use numbers or examples where possible to make your case stronger. We love seeing results!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure it's easy to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fettes College
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and HR practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in previous roles, especially in relation to structural reviews and policy development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Human Resources, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've coached managers or resolved inter-employee issues in the past.
✨Understand the School's Culture
Fettes College has a unique environment, so do your homework on their values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their HR strategy and enhance employee engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific HR challenges, such as disciplinary actions or performance management, and be ready to articulate your thought process.