Head of HR
Head of HR
Permanent; Full time
Closing date: 12 May 2026 at 12 noon
Haileybury is seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of HR to lead and develop its HR function at an exciting stage in the School’s ongoing development.
Role
The Head of HR is a key member of the Operations Staff Leadership Group and will play a central role in developing and delivering the School’s HR strategy. Working closely with the Master and CFOO, the post-holder will balance high-level strategic planning with a willingness to engage directly in day-to-day operational tasks.
This is a broad role, encompassing leadership of a dedicated HR and Payroll team, oversight of recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, compliance, reward and benefits, and the continued development of a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
The successful candidate will be an experienced HR leader with a strong track record at a senior level, combining strategic insight with a practical, hands-on approach. You will have a sound understanding of UK employment law and be confident managing complex employee relations within a regulated environment.
With impeccable judgement and integrity, you will handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism. You will also bring the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in a busy boarding school environment.
This is a full-time, 52-week, post and some flexibility in working hours will be required in light of the role and responsibilities it entails.
Please see the candidate brief for further information.
About Haileybury
Haileybury is a leading co-educational independent school educating over 900 boarding and day pupils aged 11–18. Established in 1862, the School is situated on a glorious, historic 500-acre campus in Hertfordshire, just 20 miles north of London and 35 miles south of Cambridge. Demand for places is strong and pupil numbers have risen significantly in recent years.
Today, Haileybury enjoys an outstanding national and international reputation for academic excellence and all-round education. The ISI Inspection of October 2025 described the School as progressive and ambitious, providing pupils with the very best opportunities for achievement and personal growth. Haileybury’s academic and co-curricular enrichment programmes were considered a ‘significant strength’.
A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and significance of this position will be offered to the successful candidate. Benefits offered include membership of the Operations staff pension scheme, lunch in the School’s magnificent Dining Hall, and use of the School’s facilities including fitness suite, swimming pool, tennis club, and our Health and Wellbeing Centre.
How to apply
To apply for the above position, please complete the application form in full, with reference to the job description and return it to hr@haileybury.com by Tuesday 12 May 2026 at 12 noon.
Please be aware that we cannot consider an application unless the application form has been filled in completely, including details of your full employment history.
The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date; candidates are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The School has a diverse pupil body and is committed to its strategy of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds to enrich our collective knowledge and experience. Appointments will be made on merit.
Please see full details of our Privacy Notice for Staff and Recruitment Policy.
Haileybury is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants for the above post must be willing to undergo child protection vetting, including reference checks with previous employers, prohibition checks and a criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.