Director of Human Resources | Full-time | Closing Date: October 6, 2026

School & Co; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Alexandra & Albert School is seeking an exceptional Director of Human Resources to join the Executive Leadership Team and drive a proactive, forward‑thinking people strategy. You will shape workplace culture within a state boarding environment and lead a dedicated HR team responsible for governance, safeguarding, and recruitment.

As CIPD Level 7 qualified, you will balance interpersonal astuteness with executive leadership, provide continuity at ELT level, and translate data into clear,

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 qualification with executive HR leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead an HR function at executive level within an educational setting.
• Strong governance, safeguarding and compliance mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR function and join the Executive Leadership Team to shape people strategy.
• Oversee union relations and employee relations.
• Ensure governance and safeguarding compliance across RAAS.
• Drive robust recruitment campaigns and data‑driven HR decisions.
• Mitigate institutional risk and influence workplace culture across the school.

Education

CIPD Level 7

Job description

Following a comprehensive strategic review of our organisational needs, the Royal Alexandra & Albert School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Human Resources. Early applications are encouraged. Joining our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and reporting directly to the Executive Headteacher, you will drive the pivotal transition of our HR function from an operational service into a proactive, forward-thinking people strategy.

As a visionary leader, your role will help to directly develop and embed the workplace culture of an organisation with a rich heritage and an exciting, dynamic future. Operating within the unique landscape of a state boarding school, you will lead a dedicated HR team and hold ultimate strategic responsibility for the operational integrity of RAAS’ people function. Your core remit will include:

• Union relations
• Employee relations
• Governance & compliance including safeguarding

This role is designed for a strategic, CIPD Level 7 qualified expert who effortlessly balances interpersonal astuteness with decisive, executive-level leadership. As a trusted member of the ELT you will provide critical continuity, drive robust recruitment campaigns and skillfully bridge the gap between state-funded education and the complexities of a fee-paying boarding environment. You will bring with you the professional gravitas to inspire confidence across diverse teams and faculties, alongside the insight to turn data into clear, meaningful strategies for the school’s future.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to truly shape our workplace culture, mitigate institutional risk and build a resilient framework that will support our staff and students for generations to come. If you possess the executive leadership, technical expertise and vision to help shape the future of RAAS, we welcome your application.