Director of People & Culture - Education Sector #0209

We are supporting a dynamic and rapidly expanding international education group in the search for a senior People & Culture leader to oversee the HR agenda across its European campuses. Operating across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden, this position will play a central role in shaping people strategy, ensuring compliance, and driving operational excellence throughout the region.

This opportunity is suited to someone who enjoys being visible and involved. Rather than being confined to a purely strategic remit, the successful candidate will spend time on-site, engaging with teams, addressing day-to-day people challenges, and building strong relationships across multiple locations. The role reports directly to the Regional Managing Director.

Our client is entering a significant period of ongoing growth and transformation, with a clear focus on modernising its people practices. As such, this appointment will be instrumental in establishing a high-performing, forward-thinking People & Culture function across the EU region.

Key Responsibilities

People & Culture Operations

• Drive employee engagement and wellbeing programmes that promote an inclusive and positive working environment
• Lead core P&C activities such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance management, and broader HR operations
• Develop and roll out a regional P&C strategy for Europe in line with wider global objectives
• Act as the key escalation point for sensitive and complex employee matters, managing these with professionalism, empathy, and discretion
• Guide leaders through periods of organisational change and transition

Change & Continuous Improvement

• Strengthen and expand the Regional P&C team from the ground up
• Evaluate and enhance local HR processes to ensure they are compliant, practical, and scalable
• Oversee the rollout of Dayforce (HRIS) across the region
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation across multiple European jurisdictions

Team & Stakeholder Leadership

• Work closely with Regional Functional Directors, school leadership teams, and the Global P&C function
• Build, manage, and coach the regional P&C team, offering clear leadership and support
• Maintain regular contact with campuses, both virtually and in person, to understand local priorities and challenges

Requirements

Essential

• Comfortable operating across different cultures, working styles, and time zones
• At least 3 years’ experience in a comparable HR Director or generalist People & Culture leadership role
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to build credibility and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Proven success and career progression within the education sector
• A highly hands-on and relationship-led approach, rather than a purely strategic or policy-driven style
• Strong emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to remain composed under pressure
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, at a very high level
• Willingness and capacity to travel regularly across 7 European countries
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and support transformation in a fast-moving environment

Preferred

• Experience within international or multi-site organisations
• Additional language skills would be advantageous
• Exposure to Dayforce or a comparable HRIS platform

Benefits

• Bonus linked to performance
• Salary range of €90,000 – €120,000, depending on experience
• Additional benefits package, open to discussion
• Annual leave aligned with local country regulations
• The opportunity to join a multicultural, values-driven organisation known for its high-performance culture and progressive educational approach

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy – France / European Union

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable French and European Union laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, family status, pregnancy, genetic characteristics, political opinions, trade union activities, religious beliefs, disability, health condition, nationality, physical appearance, surname, place of residence, or any other status protected under applicable law.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective and believe it strengthens our organizations and the communities we serve.

Reasonable Accommodations:
Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and other protected needs in accordance with applicable laws. Where appropriate, we engage in an interactive process to identify suitable accommodations that enable individuals to participate fully in the recruitment and employment process.

Compensation Transparency:
Where required by applicable laws and regulations, compensation information may be provided in job postings or shared during the recruitment process. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, qualifications, responsibilities of the role, internal equity considerations, and geographic location.

Compliance with Applicable Laws:
Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable French and European employment laws governing non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and fair employment practices. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Prevention of Workplace Harassment:
Keller Executive Search and our clients maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward harassment, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace. All individuals are expected to contribute to a respectful working environment free from harassment or inappropriate conduct.

Data Protection and Privacy (GDPR):
Personal information collected during the recruitment process will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Candidate data will be used solely for recruitment and employment-related purposes and will be handled with appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards. Candidates may exercise their rights regarding access, rectification, restriction, or deletion of personal data in accordance with applicable law.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment:
Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used solely to assist human recruiters in reviewing candidate information and identifying relevant qualifications. AI systems are not used to make final hiring decisions or automatically reject candidates. All recruitment decisions are made by qualified human professionals, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws.

Note:
This job posting may relate to a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The identity of the employer will be confirmed during the recruitment process. Employment conditions and legal requirements may vary depending on the employing organization and the country where the role is located.