Head of HR & Compliance

Company Description The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a leading co-educational, not-for-profit international school offering an excellent educational experience for over 1,340 students aged 2 to 18. With a distinctive culture, strong reputation and commitment to excellence across a broad range of academic, artistic, sporting and cultural endeavours, our School is a dynamic and diverse community with many strengths. Join a school where students are supported to flourish and thrive. We provide an environment where students are empowered as lifelong learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to excel.Role Description This is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction and operational oversight across the full employee lifecycle, while ensuring that the School maintains high standards of employment practice, regulatory compliance, safeguarding and people management.Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the successful candidate will work closely with the School Director, Leadership Team and Line Managers to develop a positive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture and ensure that HR & Compliance effectively supports the School’s strategic priorities.A primary mandate for the role will be strengthening the existing department - building on the extensive work over the last 3 years to further develop an already structured, policy-driven, and compliant department. You will lead digital transformation initiatives, optimise HR systems (HRIS, payroll integration and employee self-service tools), and ensure the School policy and governance frameworks remain up-to-date and reflect the latest Ministry legal guidelines. Crucially, this system-building must never come at the expense of the human element. The role requires an empathetic, approachable leader who views systems as tools to better serve people, not replace personal connection. You will lead, mentor and empower the existing HR & Compliance team, cultivating a culture of service excellence, continuous professional development and mutual support. By adopting a consultative HR Business Partnering approach, you will work side-by-side with academic leaders, operations and staff across the School - fostering trust, supporting staff wellbeing, ensuring safer recruitment, and making BISJ an employer of choice in the region.Key ResponsibilitiesThe Head of HR & Compliance will:Lead the School’s HR & Compliance strategy and ensure alignment with organisational priorities;Provide strategic HR advice to the School Director, Leadership Team and Line Managers;Lead recruitment, safer recruitment, onboarding, retention and workforce planning;Oversee employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, attendance and complex employment matters;Lead the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures and frameworks;Oversee performance management, people development, succession planning and staff wellbeing initiatives;Oversee remuneration, benefits, HR systems, payroll-related processes and workforce data;Ensure compliance with Saudi Labour Law, MOE requirements, safeguarding standards and relevant employment regulations;Lead the Regulatory Affairs function in collaboration with the Government Relations team, including immigration, labour and regulatory processes;Drive continuous improvement, digital transformation and operational efficiency across HR & Compliance; andLead, support and develop the HR & Compliance team, promoting accountability, collaboration and professional growth.Qualifications & ExperienceThe successful candidate will have:A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, Law, Psychology or a related field;A professional HR certification or qualification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CIPD, or an equivalent recognised HR qualification, is desirable;Minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience in Human Resources management, including at least 2 years in an HR leadership role;Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice;Strong knowledge of Saudi Labour Law and employment compliance requirements;Experience managing employee relations, recruitment, performance management, organisational development and compliance;Experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures and strategic initiatives;Experience leading and developing HR teams;Experience within a school, education or international organisation would be highly desirable; andSafer Recruitment and/or Safeguarding training certification would be desirable.Skills & AttributesWe are looking for a collaborative and credible HR leader with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, strong judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to manage complex and sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.The successful candidate should be comfortable operating both strategically and operationally and have a strong commitment to continuous improvement, staff wellbeing, safeguarding and high professional standards.Safer RecruitmentBISJ prioritises safer recruitment and child safeguarding, aligning with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE), the recommendations of The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references, qualification verification, identity and police checks (including overseas checks), and online screening.Applicants must highlight and explain any gaps in employment, providing relevant details where applicable.Applicants are required to provide three professional referees, including their most recent line manager, Head Teacher, or Principal. References will be requested for shortlisted candidates prior to interview, in line with BISJ’s safer recruitment procedures.The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment should a suitable candidate be identified.