At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a modern people strategy across a dynamic educational group.
- Company: St Dunstan’s Education Group, a not-for-profit independent school group in south-east London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a positive, inclusive work environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to shaping the future of education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on school improvement and staff engagement in a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong understanding of employment law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is a significant and exciting opportunity for an accomplished HR professional to shape and deliver a modern, ambitious and values‑led people strategy across a high‑performing educational group. Reporting to the COO, with a dotted line to the CEO, and sitting on the Professional Services Leadership Team, the Director of People will lead on all aspects of HR, including recruitment, retention, reward, employee relations, professional development, wellbeing and inclusion. They will lead a team of eight and, working closely with the Heads of each school, will deliver a high‑impact business partnering service that drives school improvement, strengthens staff engagement and supports a positive, inclusive, high‑trust working environment fully compliant with regulations.
Responsibilities
- Shape and deliver the people strategy across the group.
- Lead on recruitment, retention, reward, employee relations, professional development, wellbeing and inclusion.
- Provide high‑impact business partnering to support school improvement.
- Ensure compliance with regulations, employment law and safeguarding requirements.
- Build and manage an effective HR team of eight.
Qualifications
- Strong track record of HR or people leadership in complex organisations.
- Experience of shaping culture, managing change and building effective teams and systems.
- Clear understanding of employment law and safeguarding compliance.
- Ability to think strategically, work collaboratively across multiple sites and influence at a senior level.
Group Context
St Dunstan’s Education Group is a not‑for‑profit independent school group in south‑east London, comprising a dynamic family of schools with around 500 employees and educating close to 2,000 pupils from early years to sixth form.
Safeguarding and Legal
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the candidate information brochure. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Group Director of People in Maidstone employer: ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP
St Dunstan’s Education Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With a commitment to shaping a modern people strategy across its dynamic family of schools in south-east London, the group provides ample opportunities for growth and collaboration, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in enhancing the educational experience for both staff and students.
Contact Details:
ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director of People in Maidstone
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We think you need these skills to ace Group Director of People in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
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Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP.
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Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at ST DUNSTAN'S EDUCATION GROUP will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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