Head of HR (14 month FTC)

Twinkl Educational Publishing; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Westfield Health

Referral scheme

Job summary

A global educational publisher is seeking a Head of HR for a 14-month maternity cover. This role involves developing HR strategies, partnering with leaders to optimize the organization, and supporting a diverse workforce. The ideal candidate will have strong HR experience, a degree in HR, and familiarity with UK employment law. Comprehensive benefits and a supportive culture are offered in this role.

Qualifications

• Proven senior HR experience across multiple regions.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law.
• Expertise in organization design and workforce planning.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver a HR strategy that fuels growth.
• Partner with senior leaders to design organization structure.
• Coach and develop a team of HR Business Partners.

Skills

HR strategy development

Leadership capability enhancement

Talent development

Data-driven decision making

Education

Degree in HR or related field (CIPD Level 5 preferred)

Tools

Sage People

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Twinkl Educational Publishing

Location: Sheffield/Hybrid (3 days WFH/2 days office)

Contract: 14-month FTC

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

About Twinkl:

Twinkl is a global educational publisher dedicated to supporting educators, parents and learners everywhere. Founded by teachers, for teachers, we provide world‑class digital and physical resources that save time, inspire creativity, and help those who teach make a difference every day.

Our mission is simple, to help those who teach. From early years through to further education, Twinkl’s growing family of products and services supports learning communities in more than 200 countries. We are proud to be a people‑first, purpose‑driven organisation that values innovation, collaboration and inclusivity. Whether through our award‑winning resources, professional development, or community outreach, we are shaping the future of education together.

At Twinkl, you’ll join a team united by purpose, driven by creativity, and passionate about making education better for everyone. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your skills, shape your career and make a tangible impact every day.

Overview:

We’re looking for a strategically minded and operationally focused Head of HR to shape and lead Twinkl’s HR function during a 14 month maternity cover.

You’ll partner closely with senior leaders to strengthen our organisation’s structure, culture and leadership capability ensuring we’re equipped to support our diverse, hybrid workforce across the UK, Australia, the US (via PEO), Portugal (via EOR) and a network of independent contractors.

This is a hands‑on leadership role where strategic insight meets practical delivery, perfect for a forward‑thinking HR professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, purpose‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and deliver a HR strategy that fuels Twinkl’s growth and keeps our people at the centre of every decision.
• Partner with senior leaders to design an organisation that’s built to scale structurally, culturally and operationally.
• Drive clarity, leadership capability and workforce planning across our global teams.
• Coach and develop a high‑performing team of HR Business Partners, building their confidence to lead, influence and drive change.
• Embed frameworks for talent growth, succession and leadership development that build strong internal pipelines.
• Bring Twinkl’s culture to life through onboarding, recognition and leadership practices that reflect who we are.
• Use engagement insights to create initiatives that strengthen belonging, connection and the employee experience across our global community.
• Oversee compliant, efficient HR operations across the UK, Australia, the US (via PEO) and Portugal (via EOR).
• Partner with Legal and Finance to align payroll, contracts, and risk management ensuring our people processes are consistent and compliant everywhere we operate.
• Lead continuous improvement within the People function through innovation, data, and technology.
• Leverage AI, automation, and analytics to make HR faster, smarter and more human.
• Collaborate with our HRIS Analyst to optimise systems, improve data accuracy, and translate insights into action.

Experience and skills required:

• Degree in HR or a related field (CIPD Level 5 or above preferred).
• Proven senior HR experience across multiple regions and scaling organisations.
• Strong systems mindset, ideally with hands‑on experience in Sage People (back end). The role will involve process optimisation, automation, and supporting HRIS development in collaboration with the HRIS Analyst.
• Drive continuous improvement of HR systems, ensuring Sage People functionality is fully optimised to replace legacy processes.
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and familiarity with EOR/PEO models.
• Expertise in organisation design, workforce planning and talent development.
• A proven record of building engagement, culture and leadership capability that endures.
• Data‑driven mindset, with confidence using AI and automation to inform decisions.

What we offer:

• In return for everything you bring, we offer a rewarding opportunity in a fast‑growing, values‑driven company with plenty of scope for growth and development.
• A friendly, welcoming, and supportive culture where people always come first.
• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging with active Employee Network Groups for LGBTQ+, People of Colour, Disabilities (visible and invisible), Women in Tech and Working Parents.
• Comprehensive benefits from day one, including Westfield Health, 33 days’ annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), a charity day each year and a Twinkl subscription.
• Quarterly company awards recognising exceptional contributions.
• Seasonal events and team activities throughout the year.
• Referral scheme and long‑term service rewards, including life insurance and enhanced pension and family leave benefits.
• Additional perks after probation, including Cycle to Work Scheme and other lifestyle benefits.

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