Head of People & Culture (UK)

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 20 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

About the Role

Cognita is evolving; from a collection of great schools into a connected, global community that works as one. As the Head of People & Culture for the UK, you'll be at the heart of that transformation, acting as the senior People & Culture leader and single point of contact for all people matters across your region (or "Cog").

What You'll Be Doing

• Shaping strategy, close to the ground. Partnering with the Managing Director, Principals and the Cog Leadership Team as their go-to voice on all things people, translating global strategy into priorities that make sense for your schools.
• Building organisational capability. Leading workforce planning and organisational design, own the budget, and drive the transformation programmes that help schools run better.
• Growing leaders . Coaching and challenging leadership teams, strengthen accountability for culture and performance, and champion succession planning so great people keep rising.
• Bringing the operating model to life. Champion the People & Culture Target Operating Model, working hand-in-hand with our Group Centres of Excellence to localise global programmes: reward, performance, talent, ER, recruitment, learning, so schools get solutions that actually fit.
• Protecting what matters. Oversee people governance, safeguarding and compliance, partnering with Employee Relations on complex cases and keeping risk firmly in check.
• Driving culture and engagement. Own the employee experience end to end, from the Voice of the Employee cycle to building an inclusive, high-performing culture in every school.
• Leading through change. Guide leaders and teams through transformation with clarity and confidence, building resilience as ways of working evolve.

This is a field-based role - you'll spend real time in schools, staying close to Headteachers, employees, and the day-to-day experience that makes Cognita what it is.

What You'll Bring

• A genuine passion for culture: You've built and nurtured strong cultures before, and you bring a growth mindset to everything you do.
• Exceptional leadership: You know how to spot, inspire and develop talent, and you build teams that perform.
• Influence that goes beyond HR: You make courageous, well-judged decisions and can bring people along with you, even without direct authority over them.
• A head for data: You're comfortable using people analytics to shape decisions and tell a compelling story to senior stakeholders.
• Deep HR expertise: You know your way around HR policy, process and employment law.

Who We Are Looking For

You're a senior People & Culture leader who's just as comfortable shaping strategy in the boardroom as you are walking the halls of a school. You lead with data and insight, but you never lose sight of the human side of the job, because for you, culture is the whole point.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree-level education (or equivalent professional experience)
• CIPD or local equivalent HR/People professional qualification
• A track record working across multiple countries and jurisdictions
• Both strategic and tactical HR experience - you can set direction and roll your sleeves up to deliver
• Change and transformation experience in a matrixed, multi-site environment
• Coaching or change-management accreditation

Benefits at Cognita

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Aviva Pension • 25 Day Holiday Allowance + Bank Holidays
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development

The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 18th October 2026.

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.