At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people strategy and build a high-performance culture for new international schools.
- Company: Private equity-backed international schools group with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape education, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Play a foundational role in shaping the future of education across Europe.
- Why this job: Join at a formative stage and make a real impact on premium K-12 education.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with a background in international education or complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: UK or EU based
Our client, a confidential, private equity-backed international schools group, is building a new benchmark in premium K-12 education across Europe. Backed by a leading global investor and supported by a highly prestigious British school brand, the organisation is entering a critical phase of expansion, with multiple campuses launching from 2027 and a clear ambition to scale to 10 - 15 schools across key European markets.
This is a rare opportunity to join at a formative stage and play a defining role in shaping the talent strategy and cultural foundations to support a high-growth, multi-country education platform.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO, the HR Director will establish and lead the group’s people strategy, building the foundations required to support both initial school openings and long-term scale. This is a true “build” role - designing the organisational model, creating the HR function from first principles, and embedding the frameworks, processes and culture that will underpin a premium, values-driven schools network.
In the near term, the role will focus on supporting the successful launch of new campuses in Southern Europe, including the recruitment of founding teaching and leadership teams, while developing a repeatable and scalable model for future school openings. Working closely with senior leadership, you will ensure that talent, culture, safeguarding and organisational capability are fully aligned to the group’s growth ambitions and educational standards.
Key Accountabilities
- Define and deliver the group-wide people strategy, organisational design and HR infrastructure
- Lead international talent acquisition, building high-quality teaching and leadership teams
- Support new school openings, ensuring organisational readiness and developing a repeatable launch model
- Embed a high-performance, values-driven culture and effective performance frameworks
- Ensure robust safeguarding, compliance and governance across multiple jurisdictions
- Partner with senior leadership to drive organisational effectiveness and growth
Profile
- Experienced HR leader operating at Director/CPO level within international, multi-site environments
- Track record of building or scaling HR functions in high-growth or complex organisations, ideally within K12 education, or similar regulated sectors.
- Strong capability in talent, organisational design and leadership development
- Comfortable operating across jurisdictions, balancing central consistency with local requirements
- Commercially aware, hands-on and credible at senior stakeholder level
- A values-driven leader with a genuine commitment to education and organisational excellence
This is an opportunity to play a foundational role in building a premium European schools platform, shaping the people strategy, culture and leadership capability that will define its long-term success.
Human Resources Director (HR) - International Schools Group (PE-Backed) in Doncaster employer: Spencer Group
As a Human Resources Director at our private equity-backed international schools group, you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to redefining premium K-12 education across Europe. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and values-driven leadership, while offering exceptional growth opportunities as we expand into multiple campuses. Join us in shaping a transformative educational experience and enjoy the unique advantage of being at the forefront of a high-growth organisation with a commitment to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director (HR) - International Schools Group (PE-Backed) in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the education sector, especially those with experience in international schools. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to build a premium K-12 education platform. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you note expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you top of mind and shows your genuine interest in being part of their exciting journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We want to see your application directly, and it helps us keep track of all the amazing talent looking to join our mission in shaping education across Europe.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director (HR) - International Schools Group (PE-Backed) in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of HR Director. Highlight your experience in building HR functions and working in the education sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our vision for premium K-12 education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about shaping talent strategies in education. Share specific examples of your past successes in similar roles, especially in high-growth environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As an HR Director, your leadership style matters. In your application, give us a glimpse into how you build cultures and lead teams. We’re looking for values-driven leaders who can inspire and drive organisational effectiveness.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Group
✨Know Your Educational Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the K-12 education sector, especially in Europe. This will not only show your passion for education but also demonstrate your understanding of the unique needs of international schools.
✨Showcase Your Build Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully built or scaled HR functions. Highlight how you designed organisational models and embedded cultural frameworks, as this aligns perfectly with what the company is looking for.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company's values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style and HR strategies can support a high-performance, values-driven culture. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in multi-jurisdictional environments. Think about how you would handle talent acquisition and compliance across different countries, and be ready to share your thought process.
