Regional Head Of Hr – Africa

Inspired Education Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspired Education is seeking a Regional Head of Human Resources to oversee HR operations for 14 schools across Africa. This role involves leading a team, developing HR strategies aligned with growth, and ensuring effective performance management. Ideal candidates will have robust HR leadership experience, particularly in fast-growing international environments, with a strong focus on employee engagement and organizational culture.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar HR leadership role.
• Experience leading remote or multi-site HR teams.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in HR metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HR team with a hands-on approach.
• Develop and implement HR strategies.
• Oversee recruitment efforts for all locations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Employee Relations

Education

Experience in HR leadership

Job description

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of over premium private schools spanning six continents and 27 countries, utilising proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

Founded in 2008 by Nadim M. Nsouli, the Group is experiencing 20% per annum growth through acquisition, greenfield site expansion, and the development of existing schools within its portfolio.

In 2021, Inspired was recognised by Beauhurst as one of the top 10 highest-value private companies in the UK and is backed by investors such as Stonepeak, GIC, TA Associates, Warburg Pincus, and the Oppenheimer and Mansour family offices.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Regional Head of Human Resources to join us, overseeing the Africa region.

This role will play a critical hands-on part in delivering HR services across 14 schools and approximately 1,000 employees in South Africa, Kenya, and Mauritius. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer based in London, the successful candidate will be a key business partner and thought leader to the regional CEO.

You will lead a team of 7 and focus on repositioning the Africa HR function to act as a strategic business partner for the school leaders, driving performance and supporting scalable growth through organic expansion, M&A, and greenfield projects.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the HR team with a hands-on approach, engaging directly with school leaders and staff to drive HR initiatives.
2. Serve as a business partner to the CEO, providing insights and support for organizational development.
3. Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the global mission and objectives.
4. Oversee recruitment efforts for all locations, ensuring a fair and efficient hiring process.
5. Manage onboarding and exit processes, enhancing the employee experience.
6. Provide strategic HR leadership to support current and future business needs through development, engagement, motivation, and retention of human capital.
7. Develop and monitor HR strategies, systems, and procedures across the organization.
8. Nurture a positive working environment by maintaining a strong organizational culture and fostering open communication.
9. Oversee performance appraisal systems to drive high performance.
10. Ensure legal compliance in all HR practices.
11. Manage HR budgets and report on key HR metrics.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in a similar HR leadership role, such as Head of HR or Senior HR Business Partner, preferably in a fast-growing international environment.
• Experience leading remote or multi-site HR teams.
• Exposure to private equity-backed organizations is advantageous.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, make rapid decisions, and lead organizational change.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in HR metrics.
• Deep knowledge of labor law and employee relations.
• Data-driven, business-focused, and employee-centered approach.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills.

At Inspired Education, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, especially children and young people, through rigorous recruitment and background checks.