Interim Group Head of HR - Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment : Job Details

Group Head of HR - Interim (6 Months)

Location: Stockton Riverside College (Hybrid working available)

Salary: £51,000

Contract: Full-time, Interim (6 Months)

Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment is pleased to with Education Training Collective (ETC.) in the search for an experienced Group Head of HR for a 6-month interim role. ETC is a group of respected colleges in the Tees Valley, including Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training, and The Skills Academy. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in shaping their HR function and contributing to their wider people strategy.

The Role:

As Group Head of HR, you’ll work closely with the Group Director of HR and People Development, overseeing HR operations across all ETC campuses. You’ll play a key role in leading HR strategy and ensuring HR projects stay on track. You’ll also have a hand in shaping the organisation’s culture, driving employee engagement, and making sure ETC continues to be a great place to work.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and inspire a dedicated team of HR professionals across multiple sites, focusing on day-to-day operations as well as longer-term strategic goals.
• Be the go-to expert for all HR matters, providing advice and support to leadership and managers.
• Manage HR budgets, reviewing finances and presenting reports to senior management.
• Oversee key projects like systems development, policy updates, and compliance.
• Ensure that HR policies are applied consistently across the group, managing stakeholder expectations effectively.
• Support and challenge the team with empathy, using emotional intelligence to help them grow.
• Get involved in initiatives around ESG, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB), and union relations to drive positive change.
• Make an impact beyond HR by contributing to the overall student experience, helping shape the next generation.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a senior HR role, with a focus on both strategy and operations.
• CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources (or equivalent) essential
• A strong financial understanding - you’ll need to manage budgets and present figures to senior leadership.
• Excellent people skills - you’ll be working with a range of stakeholders and need to build strong relationships.
• A passion for continuous improvement, with a track record of driving change and positively influencing organisational culture.

Why Join ETC?

• Generous annual leave: 34-43 days per year.
• An additional 5 days of leave over Christmas.
• Free on-site parking.
• Hybrid working - with the flexibility to work from home or from one of the ETC campuses.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with a 15.2% employer contribution.
• Enhanced occupational sick pay.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing Programme, including free 24/7 counselling support via the Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities for career development.
• Better Health at Work Scheme.

ETC provides a wide range of courses, apprenticeships, and professional development to enrich the lives of students and local communities. With 89% of staff saying it’s a Great Place to Work, ETC is not only focused on student success but also on creating a positive, supportive environment for its staff.

Working Arrangements:

The role is full-time, Monday to Friday, with the option for flexible working. You’ll be based primarily at Stockton Riverside College, but you’ll also have the flexibility to work from Redcar and Cleveland College or remotely.

How to Apply:

If you’re an experienced HR leader with a passion for making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!