Group Director of People

St Dunstan’s Education Group is one of the fastest-growing not-for-profit independent school groups in the UK, comprising a dynamic family of schools across south-east London with 500 employees. Educating close to 2,000 pupils from early years to sixth form, the Group is united by a shared ethos, a commitment to Excellence. Differently, and a bold ambition to be recognised as a modern, socially purposeful and commercially sustainable model for independent education. This is a significant and exciting opportunity for an accomplished HR professional to shape and deliver a modern, ambitious and values-led people strategy across a high-performing educational Group. Reporting to the COO, with a dotted line to the CEO, and sitting on the Professional Services Leadership Team, the Director of People will lead on all aspects of HR, including recruitment, retention, reward, employee relations, professional development, wellbeing and inclusion. They will lead a team of eight and working closely with the Heads of each school, they will deliver a high-impact business partnering service that drives school improvement, strengthens staff engagement and supports a positive, inclusive high-trust working environment fully compliant with regulations. Candidates will bring a strong track record of HR or People leadership in complex organisations, with experience of shaping culture, managing change, and building effective teams and systems. They will combine a clear understanding of employment law and safeguarding compliance with the ability to think strategically, work collaboratively across multiple sites and influence at senior level. The role requires deep HR sector expertise, high-quality service delivery and strong interpersonal skills across the full breadth of people management. Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website. Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion: Hannah Freestone-Sm