Director of People and Culture, UPPINGHAM SCHOOL

Guardian Jobs; Uppingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished independent school in the UK is inviting applications for the role of Director of People and Culture. The successful candidate will lead the HR strategy to enhance capability, inclusivity, and engagement throughout the community. You will advise the leadership team and manage people processes to align with the school's vision. This role requires significant HR experience, emotional intelligence, and a CIPD Level 7 qualification. A competitive benefits package is offered, along with a commitment to safeguarding children.

Benefits

50% contribution to private health premiums

Free healthcare membership

Discounts at local establishments

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Substantial strategic HR experience in complex organizations.
• Intellectually confident and able to influence senior colleagues.
• Up-to-date understanding of employment law.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the strategic people agenda.
• Provide strategic advice on organizational culture and leadership.
• Ensure modern, values-led people management across the school.

Skills

Strategic HR experience

Collaborative skills

Emotional intelligence

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week. While this is a full-time role, we are open to discuss alternative working arrangements for exceptional candidates.

Lead the next chapter of people and culture at one of the UK’s most distinguished independent schools. Uppingham is seeking an accomplished HR leader to take forward an ambitious, strategic people agenda that builds capability, inclusivity and engagement across our community. As Director of People and Culture, you will shape the long-term vision for how we attract, develop and retain exceptional colleagues, ensuring that people and culture sit at the heart of the school’s success.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and joining the Leadership Team, you will provide trusted, strategic advice on all aspects of organisational culture, leadership and change. With day-to-day operations running smoothly, your focus will shift to direction, strategy, and influence, ensuring a consistent, modern, and values-led approach to people management across the school.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and joining the Leadership Team, you will provide trusted, strategic advice on all aspects of organisational culture, leadership and change. With day-to-day operations running smoothly, your focus will shift to direction, strategy, and influence, ensuring a consistent, modern, and values-led approach to people management across the school.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring substantial strategic HR experience, gained in a complex or multi-site organisation, and a track record of delivering meaningful cultural or organisational development. You will be intellectually confident, collaborative and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to guide and influence senior colleagues while empowering those around you to perform at their best. A CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent professional experience is expected, together with an up-to-date understanding of employment law and people best practice.

Benefits

• 50% contribution to premiums for the School’s private health scheme
• Free Westfield Healthcare
• Free membership of dual-use Sports Centre (£25 annual joining fee)
• Free staff lunches in term-time
• School fee discount for children of Uppingham staff
• Retail, gym, supermarket, cinema and restaurant discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health Services
• Free annual flu jabs
• Recognised as a “Disability Confident” employer
• Recognised as a “Mindful” employer
• Favourable rates and terms with local nursery
• Complimentary staff ticket to selected School performances
• Discount at local coffee shop for Uppingham staff

Application Deadlines

Closing date for applications is 15 January 2026. Interviews: Longlist week commencing 26 January 2026. Shortlist week commencing 2 February 2026.

Safeguarding

Uppingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo full screening in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE), including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils will be explored at interview.