Personnel Director (HR)

Peter Symonds College; Winchester; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Peter Symonds College in Winchester invites applications for a Personnel Director to lead the staffing strategy and oversee HR and payroll services for over 800 staff. This is a dynamic, hands-on leadership role combining strategic oversight with day-to-day personnel matters and strong engagement with senior management.

The post requires CIPD qualification, proven generalist HR experience, staff leadership, and exceptional communication.

Qualifications

• CIPD-qualified HR leader with proven generalist experience.
• Experience in education or public sector, ideally in a sixth form college.
• Evidence of recent professional development is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the staffing strategy and oversee HR and payroll services.
• Lead the Personnel team with involvement in casework, recruitment and day-to-day HR matters.
• Collaborate with senior management on staffing requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

HR strategy

Communication

Education

CIPD qualification

Job description

We are seeking a Personnel Director to lead and develop the College's staffing strategy and oversee the effective delivery of Personnel and Payroll services.

The details for this post are as follows.

Reference (please quote):

21/26

£63,043 per annum

Hours:

37 hours per week - 52 weeks per year.

Contract:

Permanent

Start Date:

4th January 2027

Interview Date:

17th November

Closing Date:

Information About The Post

Peter Symonds is a vibrant sixth form college in Winchester which is proud to be rated by Ofsted as 'outstanding' in every respect. We have a large team of committed and talented staff who are at the heart of the success of the College.

Our Personnel team is responsible for the HR service to more than 800 staff, across the HR life cycle, including payroll. We have a rare opportunity for a new Director to lead the team and work with senior management on staffing strategy, while maintaining personal contact with individuals across the organisation. This is a dynamic hands-on leadership role that combines leading the HR team with close involvement in casework, recruitment and other day to day HR matters.

This is a challenging but rewarding role for a CIPD-qualified HR leader with proven generalist experience, staff management expertise, and exceptional communication skills. Evidence of recent professional development is essential; experience within education or the public sector, ideally in a sixth form college, is desirable.

Our staff are at the heart of what we do at the College, we are proudly anti-racist and our motto is 'Counting in ones' which applies to staff as well as the students. We offer special leave for various special occasions, support from the lead counsellor, staff-run groups, staff choir, Monday night football, regular staff forums, an inclusive, supportive and kind culture, no expectations to answer emails out of hours (with an automated message to alert the sender), lunch provided at all lunchtime meetings, '5 days of Christmas' treats, end of term meals and activities and bike and computer loans to name but a few of our initiatives.

We are dedicated to safeguarding the students in our care. To that end, a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure will be required in the event of an individual being offered a position within our College. Our staff undertake regular safeguarding and Prevent training and are subject to ongoing safeguarding scrutiny.