Are you an experienced people leader looking for a senior role within a values-led organisation where culture, people and educational excellence go hand in hand?
George Watson’s College is seeking a brilliant Head of People to lead and develop the school’s people function, ensuring exceptional delivery of HR services while helping to shape the culture, capability and employee experience of one of Scotland’s leading independent schools.
Reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer, the Head of People will play a critical role in developing and delivering the school’s people strategy, supporting organisational development, strengthening employee engagement and wellbeing, and ensuring the school continues to attract, develop and retain outstanding colleagues.
Leading a dedicated team, you will provide expert advice and support across the full range of people matters, including employee relations, organisational change, learning and development, workforce planning, payroll, HR systems and compliance. You will also act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, helping to shape strategic decision-making while ensuring the school remains legally compliant and operationally effective.
This role suits a well-rounded professional, ideally with experience of working within a unionised environment. You may come from outside the education sector; what matters most is your ability to combine professional credibility, commercial awareness and strong leadership with a genuine commitment to people in order to drive positive change.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected and ambitious organisation at an important stage in its development, in a role that is both highly visible and influential. In return, you will become part of a supportive and purpose-driven community where people are recognised as the foundation of success.
To apply for the post, please send a tailored CV and covering letter to
[email protected]
The covering letter should be no more than two pages of A4 and should summarise your relevant experience, leadership achievements and motivation for applying.
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role, please contact LHH on +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email the above address.
Closing Date for Applications - Midnight Sunday 05 July
George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.
We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.
Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.
Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.
Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
