At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform the HR function to support strategic aims and enhance employee experience.
- Company: Join a pioneering independent school with a rich educational legacy in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, fee remission, free lunches, and generous holiday leave.
- Other info: Embrace a vibrant community focused on kindness, resilience, and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the school's culture and support passionate educators.
- Qualifications: Significant senior HR leadership experience and strong team management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72870 - 72870 £ per year.
About ESMS
Welcome to the Erskine Stewart Melville, a vibrant family of independent schools, set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely twinned secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We are a consistently award-winning School, with an educational legacy that stretches back more than 300 years. Our Schools have always been pioneers of rounded education. Children’s education is underpinned by our values: kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity. From virtual reality headsets in the classroom to developing one of the first outdoor learning programmes in Scotland, we are always searching for new ways to develop the whole child. The people that work for us are passionate, pioneering and strive for excellence in everything they do. We value the incredible contributions they make to school life, we invest in their careers and we support their ambitions so that they flourish professionally and personally.
About the role
Erskine Stewart Melville are currently recruiting for a Head of HR to join the School on a permanent basis. The role is full time, working 38.75 hours with a salary of £72,870. The role is based at our Ravelston Dykes site. The purpose of the role is leading and overseeing the Human Resources function, acting as the key interface between operational and strategic HR. It will include such duties as:
- Responsibility for the HR function, including developing and implementing a vision to transform HR to become a strategic, solutions-focused, high-performing, and collaborative partner that directly supports the delivery of the organisation’s strategic aims and promotes ESM as an employer of choice.
- Formulating and executing HR strategies aligned with organisational objectives, providing strategic leadership and operational management to the HR team promoting best practice and building a quality advisory function that adds value across the whole organisation.
- Acting as a strategic partner on all people-related matters, including succession planning, leadership development, and organisational design.
The successful candidate must have significant experience in a senior HR leadership role, proven ability to manage, develop and lead teams effectively, and previous experience in trade union consultation and negotiation. Experience in the education sector and independent schools is desirable.
Eligibility
ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Benefits
Employees get access to a range of benefits including:
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- 30 days annual holiday leave plus 10 days statutory holiday at Christmas and Easter, when the Schools are closed
- Paid moving house day
- Employer pension contributions of up to 8%
- Death in service benefit
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
- Employee Assistance Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual professional review process
- Regular salary reviews
- Funding towards professional qualifications
Values
We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role modelling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community. ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland. All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people therefore all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Head Of HR employer: Teacheroo
Erskine Stewart Melville is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous benefits including fee remission for children, generous holiday allowances, and professional growth opportunities, all while fostering a culture that values kindness, resilience, and integrity. Join us in shaping the future of education and making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of HR
✨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 Teacheroo!
✨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 Teacheroo.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of HR
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 Teacheroo. 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 Teacheroo 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 Teacheroo. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Teacheroo'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 Teacheroo
✨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 Teacheroo.
✨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 Teacheroo 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 Teacheroo and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
