Regional Group Head of HR

Central Bedfordshire College; Kettering; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-site educational organization in Kettering seeks a Regional Head of HR to lead people transformation and support the delivery of its people strategy. The ideal candidate will drive cultural development and collaborate with leaders to deliver impactful organizational change. A credible HR leader with experience in complex organizations and strong influencing skills is preferred. This role offers an excellent opportunity to create a lasting impact in the education sector.

Benefits

35 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in complex organizations.
• Motivated to deliver outcomes and progress initiatives.
• Comfortable influencing at leadership level.

Responsibilities

• Lead people transformation in an education environment.
• Support cultural development and organizational change.
• Collaborate with HR leaders on initiatives.

Skills

Credible HR leader

Collaborative and diplomatic

Outcome-driven

Influencing skills

Commercially aware

Knowledge of education sector

Experience in multi-site organizations

Job description

Location: Kettering

Salary: circa £50,000 per annum

Expires: 12/02/2026 23:59

Regional Head of HR

Role Purpose

Lead people transformation and support delivery of the Group’s people strategy across a multi-site education environment. The strategic direction is established; the focus is on evolving delivery, strengthening culture, and enabling sustainable organisational effectiveness. You will work as part of a peer group of HR leaders to deliver meaningful, practical change that supports staff and students.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders and HR leaders to deliver people-focused transformation
• Support cultural development and organisational change initiatives
• Contribute to workforce efficiencies and sustainable people solutions
• Provide pragmatic guidance on complex people matters where required
• Work collaboratively at Head-of-HR level to align priorities and share impact
• Balance influence with appropriate authority in decision‑making
• Operate effectively across a multi-site, matrix environment

Person Specification

We Are Seeking a Candidate Who Is

• A credible HR leader with experience in complex organisations
• Collaborative, diplomatic and measured in approach
• Motivated to deliver outcomes and progress initiatives
• Comfortable influencing at leadership level
• Commercially aware and data‑informed
• Knowledgeable about, or genuinely interested in, the education sector
• Experience in multi-site or matrix organisations is beneficial

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to contribute to people and cultural transformation
• Collaborative HR peer environment
• Ability to shape how strategy translates into delivery
• Role with real impact on education and organisational success

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year. Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Siltonerace circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.

Our Values

• Valuing Teamwork - We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously - We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred - At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive - We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring - We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence - We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

Safeguarding Our Students

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.

Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.

Terms and Conditions - Bedford College

• 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• 35 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Retail and leisure discounts