Interim Head of HR

Summary:

Interim Head of HR role at a school. Lead HR function with strategic vision and operational excellence.

About the School:

A school with a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence and personal development. It offers a supportive, inclusive environment that fosters growth and achievement for students and staff alike.

The Opportunity:

As the Interim Head of HR, you will lead the HR function and support the Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective employee relations, performance management, and staff development. This is a key role in shaping the school’s HR strategy and driving positive change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the HR Officer and HR Administrator, ensuring clear processes and prioritisation of work.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with Senior Leadership, Heads of Department, and the Wishford Group.
• Provide practical HR advice on complex employee matters, including mediation, grievances, and disciplinary processes.
• Embed performance policies and support staff in achieving and maintaining high standards.
• Plan and deliver structural or role changes in a thoughtful, fair, and well-communicated manner.
• Oversee the preparation of offer letters, contract changes, and employment documentation.
• Produce monthly reports on workforce data to support informed decision-making.
• Enforce establishment controls and support workforce budgeting and forecasting with Finance.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven HR leadership experience in education or a regulated environment.
• Strong employee relations and change-management delivery experience.
• Solid understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Commercially astute with experience in workforce planning and cost management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and decision-making skills.
• Strong written skills and disciplined case-management approach.
• Ability to work onsite and deliver to tight timelines.

Preferred

• Experience in schools or multisite education groups.
• CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent experience).
• Experience interfacing with centralised payroll, benefits, and policy teams.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of £33,000 - £36,000 per annum.
• 5% pension contribution.
• Access to the group's counselling scheme and cycle to work scheme.