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- Tasks: Lead the HR team, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and employee support.
- Company: Join JAGS, the oldest independent girls' school in London, known for excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free gym membership, and excellent facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse community that champions creativity, compassion, and social awareness.
- Qualifications: Strong HR generalist with experience in employee relations and education environments required.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; reasonable adjustments available.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 55000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional to lead our operational HR team. The holder of this newly created post will be responsible for overseeing a team of three and ensuring the smooth running of HR operations. They will play a key role in supporting staff throughout their employment journey—from recruitment and onboarding to development and day-to-day HR support.
The successful candidate will be a strong HR generalist with significant experience of employee relations casework and of supporting the development of HR team members. They will bring experience of working in an education environment, a supportive and approachable manner, and a customer-focused mindset.
We offer:
- The opportunity to join our outstanding school where public examination results consistently place JAGS amongst the leading schools in the UK
- A community of considerate, creative and compassionate students and staff
- A highly diverse and inclusive school community, committed to our bursary provision
- An inspiring and enthusiastic team of colleagues across the teaching and support staff
- Excellent facilities, including the latest resources to support learning
- A diverse benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- Pension scheme with 10% employer contributions
- Free onsite parking
- Free gym membership with discounted family rates
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free lunches
- Free access to the Dulwich Picture Gallery
- School fee discount
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest-free computer loans
- Interest-free transport season ticket loans
With its distinctive heritage as the oldest independent girls’ school in London, James Allen’s Girls’ School provides a forward-thinking and contemporary education for over 1100 girls aged 4 to 18. Located in the London borough of Southwark, JAGS has a diverse school community and is committed to inclusion in the workplace.
Our school aims, both in and out of the classroom, are clear:
- To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community
- To champion social awareness and sustainability
- To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each student
- To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders
- To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals
If this matches your vision, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
How to apply: We recognise that celebrating the full diversity of staff and students has a positive impact on all and invite applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.
To apply, please visit our website via the button below. Please note that CVs and letters sent without a completed application form will not be accepted.
For further information please contact recuritment@jags.org.uk or telephone the Recruitment team on 020 8693 1181.
Closing date: midday on Monday 12 May 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 19 May 2025. Interviews may be held at any stage after applications are received. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified deadline, if a suitable candidate is found.
JAGS is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service, and overseas police and regulatory authorities where relevant.
Head of People Operations employer: JAMES ALLENS GIRLS SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
JAMES ALLENS GIRLS SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR practices and policies in educational settings. Understanding the unique challenges and regulations in schools will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of JAGS or similar institutions. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in employee relations casework in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex situations, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any experience you have in developing HR team members. Discussing your approach to mentoring and supporting others will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head of People Operations position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your HR expertise, particularly in employee relations and team development. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate how you can contribute to the operational HR team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience in HR operations, especially within an educational environment. Include details about your leadership roles, casework handling, and any initiatives you've led that improved HR processes.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to complete the application form as specified in the job posting. Remember that CVs and letters sent without this form will not be accepted. Double-check your submission for completeness before sending it off.
How to prepare for a job interview at JAMES ALLENS GIRLS SCHOOL
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
As a candidate for the Head of People Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive HR knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with employee relations casework and how you've supported HR team members in their development.
✨Emphasise Your Educational Experience
Since the role is within an educational environment, highlight any relevant experience you have in this sector. Discuss how your background aligns with the values of the school and how you can contribute to its mission.
✨Demonstrate a Customer-Focused Mindset
The school values a customer-focused approach, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully supported staff throughout their employment journey. This could include recruitment, onboarding, or day-to-day HR support.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex HR situations. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, particularly in relation to team management and employee relations.
