Human Resources Director Delivering Best Practice

The Brief

In 2020 Fisher Leadership extended our prior relationship with a Grammar School when the firm was approached to support the school to appoint three positions – Human Resources Director, Director of Community Engagement and Property Manager. With a requirement to appoint all roles in a timely manner, the HR role was particularly critical as the incumbent was due to leave for maternity leave. Reporting to the Principal, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for the entire human resources function including the development and maintenance of the human resources framework and management system encompassing end to-end recruitment, learning and development, payroll, workforce planning, employee retention, employee entitlements and benefits, employee wellness and strategy

Solution Building

The Fisher Leadership team, led by Liz Jones, completed a comprehensive briefing with the Principal, Business Manager and HR Director to ensure the full details of the position and requirements were understood and incorporated into the search strategy. Utilising known networks of qualified individuals and referral partners, Fisher Leadership sought to identify an experienced HR generalist with a background in the schools’ sector that presented with a highly supportive approach. From the initial briefing, the process was completed within eight weeks including full search supported by advertising, presentation of assessment reports and conduct of panel interviews. As the process was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic the final two candidates met the Principal for a walking interview prior to the successful candidate being appointed to the position.

The Outcome

An educator with 30 years of teaching experience who has gained significant HR experience as a HR Manager and former Deputy Principal, demonstrating success in education management, leadership development and staff learning, the successful candidate is well versed in the workings of a school and demonstrated a strong understanding of the key ingredients necessary to grow a performance culture in a school environment.