HR Business Partner

Merton, London
KINGS COLLEGE SCHOOL

Start Date: as soon as possible

Salary: £60,000 to £65,000 per annum

Join UK’s top-ranking independent school as an HR Business Partner with a competitive salary and a generous benefits package including gym membership, free lunch during term time, a BUPA cash plan, 10% employer pension contribution, optional on-site accommodation (subject to availability), free or discounted parking in Wimbledon (space permitting), and school fee remission. This is a unique opportunity to drive change, play a key role in HR transformation; leading implementation of new systems, processes and a business partnering function, shaping the future of people strategy across a thriving organisation that includes three schools, a dynamic commercial enterprise, and a growing international network. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply and contribute to this exciting phase of development.

Person Specification:

• Strong HR generalist experience with knowledge of UK employment legislation and proven experience of managing employee relations casework.
• Educated to degree level. Professional qualifications equivalent to CIPD Level 7 will be preferred.
• Experience in developing EDI strategies and employee wellbeing initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace culture and support diverse needs of staff.
• Ability to analyse HR data, present findings and influence data-driven change to HR plans, policies and practices.
• Experience in implementation of robust reward practices including job analysis, grading structure and pay benchmarking.
• Experience of compliance with safeguarding, safe recruitment requirements and immigration legislation.
• Experience of developing and updating HR policies, procedures, contracts and other documentation to ensure compliance.
• Experience of advising and coaching managers to manage difficult situations including disciplinary, grievance, absence, performance and change management matters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to establish credible relationships with all staff across the school.
• A track record of successfully finding solutions to challenging circumstances.
• Strong attention to detail and evidence of timely delivery on agreed outcomes.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and proven experience with HR, recruitment, and payroll systems.

Job Description

Advice and support:

• Work closely with heads of department and other relevant staff to proactively identify staff needs and provide appropriate solutions to help meet departmental and school objectives.
• Play a key role in HR planning to meet short, medium and long-term school and workforce needs.
• Work with the director of people to improve the overall staff experience, including processes and systems relating to recruitment, onboarding, induction, professional development and performance management.
• Provide clear and expert advice on best practice, compliance, HR policies and staff data.
• Coordinate and lead coaching and professional development for members of the HR team to ensure the consistent delivery of a responsive, proactive and professional HR service.
• Support line managers to develop their knowledge and confidence in all aspects of people management.

Compliance:

• Regularly review and update HR policies, documentation and practices, working with the head of compliance and external advisers as appropriate to ensure compliance with legislative and reporting requirements.
• Ensure the school complies with the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Independent School Standards and other relevant guidance in relation to safeguarding and safer recruitment.
• Ensure up to date training records are maintained for all adults working in the school.

Employee relations:

• Manage employee relations cases, including but not limited to matters concerning staff wellbeing, work-life balance, performance, conduct, absence and change management.
• Take responsibility for end-to-end management of casework in line with legal requirements, best practice guidance and the school’s policies and procedures.

Staff experience and wellbeing:

• Lead projects to improve key HR processes and offerings, as required, in line with the school’s strategy and in response to staff voice.
• Work with director of people to foster a caring and supportive environment for staff, designing and implementing initiatives to enhance the overall wellbeing of staff
• Work with the deputy head (teaching and education development), other senior leaders and heads of department to implement learning and professional development activities for staff across the school.
• Partner with leaders and managers to embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across all HR policies and practices to promote a fair and inclusive culture.
• Lead efforts to measure and improve staff engagement and satisfaction, to ensure all colleagues feel valued, motivated and connected to the school’s aims and ethos.
• Analyse patterns and trends in staff data in order to proactively address potential issues with relevant heads of department and people managers, escalating concerns to the Director of People.

Recruitment:

• Develop strategies to help the school to recruit and retain the best talent across leadership, teaching and professional services.
• Ensure recruitment and selection practices are effective, inclusive, and attract diverse talent.
• Regularly analyse recruitment data to monitor and improve representation and fairness at every stage of the hiring process.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• Full time – 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday with 30 mins unpaid lunch break.
• Contributory pension scheme
• Programme of health benefits
• Free lunch in the Dining Hall during term-time
• Membership of the King’s Sports Club

King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum. Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

To apply for this role, please register your details online via our website (under useful information / career opportunities). Once you have registered your details with us, you can apply for vacancies by logging into the candidate area using your email address and chosen password. You will be asked to fill an online application form, upload a CV and provide a cover letter.

Closing date: Sunday 15th June 2025 at 23:59 BST.

Interview dates: first round of interviews via Microsoft Teams in the week commencing 16th June, final interviews in-person in the week commencing 23rd June 2025

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.