Head of HR

Merchant Taylors' School; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education institution in England is seeking a Head of Human Resources to lead all aspects of HR. This role involves ensuring compliance, fostering staff development, and enhancing employee experience. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in HR functions, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safeguarding. The starting salary is £60,000 per year, with numerous benefits including pension contributions and professional development support.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus public holidays

15% employer pension contribution

Life cover and income protection

Free lunch when catering is open

Use of leisure facilities

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in leading human resources functions in an educational or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of compliance, safeguarding, and employee development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational human resources function.
• Ensure HR policies align with the School's strategic objectives.
• Support staff development and employee experience.

Job description

Head of Human Resources – Merchant Taylors' School

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Human Resources to lead the strategic and operational human resources function for the school, ensuring high standards of compliance, safeguarding, staff development and employee experience. Reporting to the Bursar and working closely with the Head Master and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will ensure that HR policies, processes and culture fully support the School's strategic objectives.

General Conditions

Start date: March 2026
Hours: 8:00am – 4.30pm with a one hour unpaid lunch break (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: starting from £60,000 per annum (dependent on qualifications, skills and relevant experience)

Benefits

• 25 days per annum plus public holidays
• 15% employer contribution to a defined contribution pension scheme (3% employee contribution)
• Life cover 4 x annual salary and income protection
• Access to a cash flexible benefit in lieu of pension contribution
• Access to a number of lifestyle benefits including Cycle to Work, ULEV cars, and retail discount vouchers via our benefit provider
• Staff fee remission on school fees (subject to admissions criteria)
• Use of School leisure facilities, including pool, gym and fishing lakes
• Lunch provided free of charge when the School Catering Department is open
• Free parking on site, with access to electric vehicle charging (payable via app)
• Support for professional development and professional membership fees

The Process

Please complete an application form and an accompanying letter (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the post; you may wish to include a brief CV. Applications to be submitted by 10am on 22 January 2026.

First round interviews to be held during w/c 26 January 2026
Final interviews to be held 4 February 2026

If you have any questions regarding the role, please reach out to [e-mail]

Applications to (email or post):
Recruitment Officer, Merchant Taylors' School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2HT
Email: [e-mail]

Merchant Taylors' School is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role will bring you into contact with children, you are expected to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).