Director of HR

Overview

Based in the beautiful setting of the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey, a World Heritage Site, The King's School is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the country with an enviable record of academic excellence and achievement.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of HR to join our team. This is a pivotal role, shaping and driving the People Strategy across the King's group of schools (The King's School, Canterbury; Junior King's; and The King's School International College), with a workforce of over 900 staff.

Responsibilities

The Director of HR will play a central role in achieving the School's strategic aims by providing expert HR leadership, advice, and support. They will work closely with the Head and Senior Management Teams to ensure that the People agenda supports the School's long-term vision, while overseeing the day-to-day effectiveness of the HR department. Leading a team of six, the postholder will foster a high-performing HR function that is proactive, professional, and collaborative. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing the School's People Strategy, advising on HR best practice, leading organisational change, ensuring compliance with safeguarding and employment legislation, and building HR capacity across the schools.

We are seeking a highly experienced HR professional with strong strategic insight, proven leadership ability, and excellent communication skills, who can inspire confidence at all levels.

Qualifications / profile

• Highly experienced HR professional with strong strategic insight and proven leadership ability
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence at all levels
• Ability to work collaboratively with Senior Management Teams and lead a functional HR department

Benefits

• Gold membership at The King's School Sports Centre
• Enhanced employer pension contributions up to 10%
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free meals during term time
• In house training and CPD opportunities

How to apply

If you have questions about the post, or would like an informal discussion to learn more, please email

No agency applications will be accepted at this time.

For further information and to apply online, please visit: Current Job Vacancies • The King's School, Canterbury. Closing date for receipt of applications: 6 October 2025.

Safeguarding and employment checks

The King's School is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process which is in line with the statutory Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.