Cavendish Education Group
This vacancy presents a unique opportunity within the highly regarded and successful Cavendish Education Group to help shape the future of a brand-new independent specialist school.
Leith Hill School is set in the Surrey Hills AONB, on a 45-acre site. The new school will open in September 2025 and will offer day places for children aged 7-16, most of whom are likely to be able learners with an EHCP to support autistic spectrum conditions and/or co-occurring social, emotional and mental wellbeing needs. We are looking for an inspirational leader who is committed to providing pupils with a lively, creative, and forward-thinking academic community equipped with exceptional resources and new facilities for all subjects and activities.
Required from February 2025, or sooner, we are seeking an HR Generalist with significant experience in a mid-senior HR role – ideally as an HR Manager or Senior HR Advisor within an educational or similar environment. This role is perfect for a steady and self-driven HR professional who remains composed under pressure and acts with integrity. We’re looking for someone warm, approachable, and adept at building rapport, with a genuine passion for people management, employee engagement, and fostering a positive workplace. They should possess a natural ability to lead and inspire others.
As our Head of HR and Wellbeing, you’ll model professionalism and positive leadership, with close collaboration with the Headteacher and senior management colleagues to ensure best-in-class HR practices throughout the school. This is a hands-on, generalist role that requires comprehensive experience across core HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment, and HR operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee the HR operations, ensuring smooth day-to-day HR functions.
- Oversee recruitment and talent management to attract, retain, and develop top talent.
- Have a thorough understanding of Safer Recruitment compliance within a school, including the management of the SCR.
- Advise senior management and department heads on HR policies and best practices.
- Promote a positive workplace culture and high employee engagement through effective communication and wellbeing initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and manage HR reporting requirements.
- Manage complex employee relations (ER) cases, including absence management, investigations, disciplinary actions, performance management and grievance procedures.
- Conduct regular HR audits, recommending improvements to HR processes and systems.
- Mentor and support the growth and development of the HR Coordinator and HR Advisor.
Qualifications & Experience:
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent professional HR qualification, or significant first-hand HR experience.
- Strong generalist HR expertise across employee relations, recruitment, and HR operations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in leading, coaching and mentoring colleagues, with a focus on whole staff wellbeing and team member development.
- Demonstrated experience of supporting absence management processes, complex employee relations and grievance resolution.
- Solid understanding of employment law and HR best practices.
- High level of interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Why Choose to work with the Cavendish Education Group?
At Cavendish Education, we prioritise high quality, inclusive learning environments where staff and pupils are supported to grow and thrive. Joining our team means:
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Membership of Pension and Life Assurance Schemes.
- Exceptional professional community to collaborate within a network of like-minded professionals.
- A culture that prioritises pupil and staff wellbeing.
- Free lunch, parking and subsidised Gym membership.
- A culture that rewards dedication, innovation and excellence.
If you wish to be part of our fantastic school community and would like to know more, please visit the Cavendish Education website via the apply button, or email:
To apply, please visit our website via the apply button.
Closing date: Monday, 9th December 2024
Formal interview date: Tuesday, 18th December 2024 (held in person)
Leith Hill School is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to receipt of a completed application form, satisfactory references and relevant checks and Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
