Wycombe Abbey

Situated on 170 acres of beautiful Buckinghamshire parkland, Wycombe Abbey is a world-class boarding school for girls. Wycombe Abbey currently educates around 660 pupils ages 11-18, the vast majority of whom are full boarders. The School aims to encourage the development of each individual’s talents in academic, creative, physical, and social skills in a happy, fulfilling, and caring community.

Wycombe Abbey is seeking a talented HR professional to lead its HR function as Director of People. This is a brand new position, and the Director of People will be key in shaping and implementing a forward-thinking ‘people strategy’ in the broadest sense, aligned to Wycombe Abbey’s overall strategic vision. The Director of People will be responsible for building management competence and capacity in middle and senior leaders to allow all staff to perform at their best, as well as developing a whole-school strategy for a culture of wellbeing. They will have the opportunity to devise and implement a strategy to diversify the workforce and develop flexible working practices and will lead on all People and Human Resources matters including recruitment, contract management, employee relations, staff welfare and development, and providing strategic guidance to, and be a member of, the Executive Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will bring significant HR experience at a senior level, including experience of training and development, performance management, employee relations, recruitment and retention, and legal and regulatory compliance. They will have experience managing an HR team and the demonstrable ability to communicate with all stakeholders clearly and effectively. The successful candidate will be able to work in a systematic manner with great attention to detail and will display an unwavering commitment to and understanding of the safety and welfare of children.

Wycombe Abbey is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other statutory checks. Wycombe Abbey is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No. 310638.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Wycombe Abbey on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference GWAAC. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Thursday, 16 September 2021.