At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a modern people strategy across a dynamic educational group.
- Company: St Dunstan’s Education Group, a fast-growing not-for-profit independent school group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a positive, inclusive work environment.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven organisation committed to safeguarding and promoting diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and culture in a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Strong HR leadership experience and strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
St Dunstan’s Education Group is one of the fastest-growing not-for-profit independent school groups in the UK, comprising a dynamic family of schools across south-east London with 500 employees. Educating close to 2,000 pupils from early years to sixth form, the Group is united by a shared ethos, a commitment to Excellence, and a bold ambition to be recognised as a modern, socially purposeful and commercially sustainable model for independent education.
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, they 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.
Candidates will bring a strong track record of HR or people leadership in complex organisations, with experience of shaping culture, managing change, and building effective teams and systems. They will combine a clear understanding of employment law and safeguarding compliance with the ability to think strategically, work collaboratively across multiple sites and influence at a senior level. The role requires deep HR sector expertise, high-quality service delivery and strong interpersonal skills across the full breadth of people management.
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion:
- Hannah Freestone-Smith: hannahfreestone-smith@rsacademics.com
- Nina Lambert: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am (UK time) on Monday, 10 August 2026.
St Dunstan’s Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
Group Director of People employer: Thewild
The Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders (AMEND) is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful opportunity to lead a dedicated charity focused on improving the lives of families affected by rare diseases. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to make a significant impact in health policy and patient education. Located in Tonbridge, Kent, AMEND provides a unique environment for professional growth while advocating for those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director of People
✨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 Thewild!
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✨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 Thewild.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director of People
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 Thewild. 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 Thewild 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 Thewild. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Thewild'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 Thewild
✨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 Thewild.
✨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 Thewild 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 Thewild and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
