Head of People

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and deliver a forward-looking people strategy aligned to organisational objectives.

  • Advise and collaborate with senior leaders on organisational design, leadership development, and culture.

  • Lead the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda, embedding best practice across the business.

• Talent Acquisition & Development:

  • Oversee recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent.

  • Drive career development, performance management, and succession planning frameworks.

  • Develop and scale learning and development initiatives to build leadership capability and future-proof the workforce.

• People Operations & Compliance:

  • Ensure policies, procedures, and HR practices are compliant and aligned with best practice.

  • Lead on people analytics, using data to inform decision-making.

  • Manage HR and Learning & Development budgets.

• Culture & Engagement:

  • Promote and embed the organisation’s values and culture at every level.

  • Design and lead employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives.

  • Drive strategies to improve retention, satisfaction, and overall employee experience.

Candidate Profile

• Significant senior-level HR leadership experience (8+ years preferred).

• Track record of delivering strategic people initiatives with measurable impact.

• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.

• Experience using HR systems and data analytics tools.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.

• Flexible working arrangements with a hybrid-friendly approach.

• The chance to shape people strategy and influence organisational success.

Important Notice

Dovetail and Slate is a market-leading education recruitment company, specialising in the supply of staff across all areas of the education sector – including teaching, student support, and non-teaching roles. If this vacancy isn’t the right fit, we welcome your CV and encourage you to contact our team to explore other opportunities.

Dovetail and Slate Limited (Company No. 11351060) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, candidates, and partner organisations to share this commitment.

Roles may involve work with under-18s or vulnerable adults. Where applicable, offers of employment will be subject to appropriate vetting, which may include enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, barred list checks, references, right to work checks, and where relevant, PVG Scheme registration (Scotland) or Education Workforce Council (EWC) registration (Wales). All checks will be carried out in accordance with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance, such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (England).

Dovetail and Slate Limited acts as an Employment Agency (for permanent recruitment) and an Employment Business (for temporary and contract staff) under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.

Dovetail and Slate is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and communities, and we are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout our recruitment processes.

By applying for this role, you consent to Dovetail and Slate processing your personal data for recruitment purposes in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Because education matters.
© Dovetail and Slate Limited.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency.