Associate Director HR Services

DN Colleges Group; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UK seeks an experienced Associate Director of HR Services to lead initiatives in organisational development, employee engagement, and staff development. The ideal candidate will demonstrate several years of HR experience, strategic insight, and leadership capabilities. This role offers a collaborative work environment with extensive benefits, including over 51 days of annual leave, a comprehensive pension scheme, and wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits

35 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Enhanced pension and health schemes

Access to wellbeing initiatives

Flexible and part-time working options

Collaborative and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience in Human Resources or Organisational Development.
• Experience in survey design and analysis, and budget management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a solution-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic HR projects for employee experience and retention.
• Oversee engagement campaigns and wellbeing programmes.
• Support leadership development through training and coaching.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and HR standards.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Change management

Communication

Project management

Education

CIPD Level 5 or equivalent

Coaching qualification (Level 5)

Job description

This senior leadership role is responsible for delivering high-impact initiatives across Organisational Development, Employee Engagement, Reward & Recognition, Wellbeing, Recruitment, and Staff Development. You will work closely with senior leaders, deputising for the HR Director when required, and lead a talented team including the Employee Experience Lead, Staff Development Coordinator, and Talent Acquisition Manager.

You will contribute to the development and implementation of the People Strategy, embedding our mission, vision, and values throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic HR projects that enhance employee experience, retention, and organisational performance.
• Oversee the design and delivery of engagement campaigns, wellbeing programmes, and recognition schemes.
• Champion inclusive recruitment practices and workforce planning in collaboration with the Talent Acquisition Manager.
• Drive organisational culture transformation through data-informed OD interventions.
• Manage budgets and external partnerships across wellbeing, reward, and development.
• Support leadership development and succession planning through targeted training and coaching.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, equality legislation, and best practice HR standards.

We are looking for a confident and capable HR leader who can:

• Demonstrate a minimum of two years' experience in a Human Resources or Organisational Development function, with proven management experience.
• Translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic decisions.
• Build trust, inspire change, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Design and implement appraisal frameworks, engagement surveys, and OD initiatives.
• Manage multiple projects and budgets with agility and accountability.
• Deliver impactful presentations and facilitate workshops and coaching sessions.
• Engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors and service providers.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent experience
• Coaching qualification (Level 5)
• Experience in survey design and analysis, budget management, and contract oversight
• Skilled in presenting data, leading change, and delivering OD interventions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a solution-focused mindset

Desirable

• Degree in Organisational Development
• Accreditation in employee engagement survey methodologies
• Practitioner in cultural support tools
• Experience embedding reward and recognition through pay structures and development plans

Are you an experienced HR professional ready to lead transformational change across a dynamic and values-driven organisation? We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Associate Director of HR Services to join our People Services team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our workforce and culture.,

Safer Recruitment: As part of the recruitment process and in line with keeping children safe in education, we will conduct social media checks on shortlisted candidates. Additionally, before commencing employment, all employees undergo safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS.

Right to Work: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

35 days' annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and 8 additional days during the Christmas closedown - that's over 51 days off per year!

Enhanced pension and health schemes

Access to wellbeing initiatives, including Vivup

Flexible and part-time working opportunities, including job share options

A collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven environment

Opportunities to lead strategic projects and shape the future of HR services

A culture that values continuous learning, staff voice, and innovation