At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people strategy and build a high-performance culture for new international schools.
- Company: Join a private equity-backed group redefining premium K-12 education across Europe.
- Benefits: Be part of a pioneering team with opportunities for growth and impact in education.
- Other info: Play a key role in a high-growth organisation with a commitment to educational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while launching new campuses and building strong teams.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR leader with a background in international, multi-site environments.
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) employer: Spencer Group
Join a pioneering international schools group that is redefining premium K-12 education across Europe. As an HR Director, you will be at the forefront of shaping a values-driven culture and talent strategy during a critical expansion phase, with ample opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic, multi-country environment. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive work culture, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Director (HR) - International Schools Group (PE-Backed)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the education sector, especially those with experience in international schools. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and culture. Since this role is all about shaping the people strategy, showing that you understand their mission will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in HR aligns with their ambitious growth plans. Highlight your experience in building HR functions and leading talent acquisition in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Director (HR) - International Schools Group (PE-Backed)
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 international, multi-site environments. 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 education and how you can contribute to our ambitious growth plans. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in similar roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As an HR Director, your leadership style is crucial. In your application, give us a glimpse into how you build high-performance cultures and develop talent. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead teams effectively across different countries.
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 to do!
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 the role's focus on establishing a new HR function.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the organisation’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.
