Director of People

Summary:

Director of People job opportunity in a prestigious international school. Lead strategic HR transformation.

About the School:

A school with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, serving students from over 60 nationalities. Committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and innovative learning environment.

The Opportunity:

As the Director of People, you will lead a strategic transformation of the school’s HR function. This role is central to modernising processes, implementing a new HRIS system, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with expertise in international education and Portuguese labour law.

Key Responsibilities:

• Audit and redesign the full staff lifecycle, ensuring compliance and efficiency in recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and exit strategies.
• Lead the implementation of a modern, integrated HRIS system to enable self-service and real-time data insights.
• Mentor and lead a small HR team, cultivating a culture of excellence and attention to detail.
• Oversee safeguarding checks and ensure all HR practices meet international accreditation standards.
• Manage the complexities of a globally diverse workforce, supporting relocation and integration of international and local staff.
• Maintain data integrity in payroll, absence management, and professional development records.
• Provide actionable HR analytics to senior leadership for informed decision-making.
• Mediate sensitive disciplinary and grievance matters with empathy and legal precision.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven leadership experience in HR within large, complex organisations.
• In-depth knowledge of Portuguese Labour Law and Collective Bargaining Agreements (CCT).
• Experience in leading HRIS or ERP implementation projects.
• Strong understanding of international education sector dynamics and academic calendars.
• Ability to translate complex legal and data information into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience in the international education sector, particularly in a British international school setting.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-cultural teams and fostering inclusive environments.
• Familiarity with international recruitment and relocation processes.
• Strong emotional intelligence and change management skills.

Compensation & Benefits:

• A highly competitive salary package aligned with international standards.
• Comprehensive private health and life insurance coverage.
• Support for relocation and housing allowance for international candidates.