Director of HR

The King's School; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Canterbury is seeking a Director of HR to shape and drive the People Strategy across its schools. The role requires an experienced HR professional who can lead a team and work collaboratively with senior management to achieve strategic aims. Benefits include enhanced pension contributions, a cycle to work scheme, and in-house training opportunities.

Benefits

Gold membership at The King's School Sports Centre

Enhanced employer pension contributions up to 10%

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free meals during term time

In-house training and CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven leadership ability and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to inspire confidence at all levels and work collaboratively with senior management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the School's People Strategy.
• Advise on HR best practice and lead organisational change.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and employment legislation.
• Build HR capacity across the schools.

Skills

Highly experienced HR professional

Strong strategic insight

Excellent communication skills

Leadership ability

Job description

Overview

Based in the beautiful setting of the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey, a World Heritage Site, The King's School is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the country with an enviable record of academic excellence and achievement. We are seeking an exceptional Director of HR to join our team. This is a pivotal role, shaping and driving the People Strategy across the King's group of schools (The King's School, Canterbury; Junior King's; and The King's School International College), with a workforce of over 900 staff. The Director of HR will play a central role in achieving the School's strategic aims by providing expert HR leadership, advice, and support. They will work closely with the Head and Senior Management Teams to ensure that the People agenda supports the School's long-term vision, while overseeing the day-to-day effectiveness of the HR department. Leading a team of six, the postholder will foster a high-performing HR function that is proactive, professional, and collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the School's People Strategy.
• Advise on HR best practice and lead organisational change.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and employment legislation.
• Build HR capacity across the schools.

Qualifications and qualities

• Highly experienced HR professional with strong strategic insight.
• Proven leadership ability and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to inspire confidence at all levels and work collaboratively with senior management.

Benefits

• Gold membership at The King's School Sports Centre
• Enhanced employer pension contributions up to 10%
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free meals during term time
• In-house training and CPD opportunities

How to apply and deadlines

If you have questions about the post, or would like an informal discussion to learn more, please email [e-mail]. For further information and to apply online, please visit: https://www.kings-school.co.uk/about/careers-at-kings/ Closing date: 6 October 2025. No agency applications will be accepted at this time.

Safeguarding

The King's School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process which is in line with the statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.