At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and support staff across all people management aspects.
- Company: Join a successful and ambitious school dedicated to excellence.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence and develop HR practices.
- Other info: Promote wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion while championing The St Helen's Way.
- Why this job: Shape organisational culture and enhance staff experience in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience, ideally in education, with a CIPD Level 7 qualification.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished HR professional with experience in the education sector to make a significant contribution to the ongoing success of the School.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversee the delivery of a professional, responsive and effective HR service, supporting staff, managers and senior leaders across all aspects of people management.
Working closely with senior leaders, the Head of Human Resources will lead on employee relations, recruitment, policy development, performance management, staff wellbeing, learning and development, organisational change and workforce planning.
They will provide expert advice and guidance on employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and HR best practice, ensuring that the School's policies and procedures remain compliant, effective and aligned with its strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing working environment where colleagues feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed.
They will champion The St Helen's Way, ensuring that the School's values, behaviours and expectations are embedded throughout the employee lifecycle and reflected in all people practices.,
- The opportunity to play a key leadership role within a successful and ambitious school.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment with opportunities to influence and develop the School's people strategy.
- The opportunity to shape HR practice, strengthen organisational culture and make a meaningful contribution to staff experience and the wider School community.
St Helen's School is seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Human Resources to lead our HR function on a full-time, permanent basis., Has significant generalist HR experience in a senior HR management or HR Business Partner role, ideally within a school environment.
- Holds a CIPD Level 7 qualification or has equivalent professional HR experience, with a commitment to continuing professional development.
- Has extensive experience managing complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence management cases.
- Can provide expert, practical and professional HR advice and guidance to managers, employees and senior leaders.
- Has experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures, leading recruitment and selection processes, and supporting organisational change.
- Understands UK employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and the importance of safer recruitment within an educational setting.
- Has experience overseeing payroll, pensions and employee benefits queries, working collaboratively with finance colleagues and external providers.
- Can lead, coach and develop HR colleagues, promoting a collaborative and responsive approach to service delivery.
- Has strong interpersonal, communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
- Is highly organised, analytical and solutions-focused, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and make sound, well-informed decisions.
- Is committed to promoting staff wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating a positive workplace culture built on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Is passionate about championing The St Helen's Way and contributing to the continued success of the School.
Head of Human Resources employer: St Helen's School
St Helen's School in Northwood is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development, the school offers numerous opportunities for growth and training, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students. The commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, combined with a vibrant school culture, makes this an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at St Helen's School!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at St Helen's School.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources
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 Helen's School. 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.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to St Helen's School and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at St Helen's School. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to St Helen's School'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 Helen's School
✨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 Helen's School.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
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!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at St Helen's School 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.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact St Helen's School and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
