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Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources

The British School of Amsterdam

Netherlands

  • New
Job type:
Full Time, Fixed Term
Apply by:
4 November 2024

Job overview

Are you passionate about shaping an inclusive, engaging, and high-performing workplace? Do you thrive in an international environment where your strategic vision can drive change, while still enjoying hands-on involvement with an amazing team? If so, The British School of Amsterdam (BSA) is looking for an inspiring Head of Human Resources to lead our HR function and help us continue building an engaging employee experience.

About the British School of Amsterdam

The British School of Amsterdam is a not-for-profit international school in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, providing world-class teaching and learning for children from 3 to 18 years old. With 1,100 pupils at the school, we offer the best in British education to our students, and a welcoming and inclusive environment for our staff. At our school, we value collaboration and well-being; where every individual feels supported to do their best work, and where ideas are encouraged, innovation is welcomed, and everyone feels part of something special. Our team is committed to professional development, and you’ll be part of a school community that values every voice and celebrates achievements.

What you will do

As the Head of HR, you’ll be at the forefront of continuing to enhance the employee experience and culture at The BSA. You’ll create and execute an HR strategy that champions engagement, innovation, and inclusiveness, while ensuring operational excellence. This is your chance to bring both your strategic insight and operational expertise to an environment where you’ll see the tangible impact of your work.

Reporting directly to the Principal, and leading a small and talented HR team, you’ll partner with the Management and Supervisory Boards, and our Operational Leadership Team (OLT) to cultivate a workplace where people feel valued, recognised, and motivated.

  • HR Strategy: Develop and implement an HR strategy aligned with the school’s vision, making The BSA a standout employer where talented people are enabled to do their best work.
  • Shape Culture: Lead the creation of a workplace culture that thrives on inclusion, psychological safety, and a strong sense of community.
  • Engage & Empower: Design initiatives that prioritise employee well-being, engagement, and recognition, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to contribute and grow.
  • Lead Change: Drive HR transformation by streamlining processes, introducing innovative practices, and leading cultural change initiatives.
  • Support Leadership: Advise the leadership team on best practices in employee engagement, well-being, and compensation, staying ahead of trends and developments in HR.
  • Foster Growth: Implement performance and development programmes that offer employees regular feedback, target-setting, and opportunities for growth.
  • Ensure a safe workplace: Ensure all HR policies reflect a commitment to a supportive and inclusive environment, including robust anti-harassment, mental health, and well-being policies.
  • Collaborate: Build strong relationships across the school and with external partners, ensuring a cohesive and supportive work environment for all.

About You

You’re an experienced HR Manager, who believes in the power of a positive work culture and the impact it can have on organisational success. You balance strategic vision with hands-on execution and are excited by the chance to be part of a dynamic and growing international school.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in HR, Business, Psychology, or a related field
  • Fluent in both English and Dutch
  • 5+ years of HR leadership experience
  • Deep knowledge of Dutch employment law, including Wet verbetering Poortwachter (WvP)
  • A passion for building collaborative relationships, including experience with Works Councils
  • Strong communication, decision-making, and data analysis skills
  • Experience managing budgets and resources effectively
  • Comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels
  • Expertise and comfort working with HR technology tools
  • Experience of working within an international work environment
  • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding within the school community

Applications Process

Ready to make an impact? If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can shape a fantastic employee experience and be part of a forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your CV/Resume and a cover letter (in English), addressed to the Principal, Mrs Ruth Sanderson. The closing date for applications is Monday, 4 November 2024.

Safeguarding

The British School of Amsterdam is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The offer of the role will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks including background checks overseas (where appropriate).

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

The British School of Amsterdam is committed to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our pupils and wider society and leads to a cognitive diversity which promotes excellence in all areas.

Attached documents

About The British School of Amsterdam

The British School of Amsterdam is a not-for-profit international school providing world-class teaching and learning for children from 3 to 18 years old. Since its inception in 1978, we have grown quickly to become a leading British international school offering quality education to over 1,100 pupils enrolled at the school across three sections: Early Years (3-6 years), Juniors (6-11 years) and Seniors (11-18 years).

At The British School of Amsterdam we follow the British Schools curriculum and we are, proudly, a non-selective school with high expectations of all pupils.  As a school, we seek to develop inquiring, imaginative, fascinated, knowledgeable and caring young people with an eagerness for knowledge and a sense of value.

We offer the best in British education to our students, and a welcoming and inclusive work environment for more than 210 staff members. Our staff are the school's greatest asset; they are professional, caring, committed and work together, whatever their role, to provide the best possible education for the children in our care.

We are accredited by the UK Government as a British School Overseas (BSO) offering the National Curriculum for England leading to GCSEs and A-Levels, and we are also proud members of COBIS (Council of British International Schools), HMC (The Head's Conference), and AoBSO (Association of British Schools Overseas).

In a recent BSO inspection report, the school was described as “… providing high quality education, much of which is outstanding”.

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