Head of HR

Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists in the heart of the City of London. Ranked number one in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2024, one of the top ten performing arts institutions in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023, as well as the number one higher education institution in the Guardian University Guide music league table, we deliver world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles.

A global leader in creative and professional practice, we promote innovation, experiment and research, and are also one of the UK’s leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the HR function as Head of HR, shaping a people‑centred, high‑performing culture that underpins the School’s artistic, academic, and organisational ambitions. You will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leaders to deliver the School’s people strategy, acting as a trusted adviser on workforce planning, organisational development, employee relations, and policy. Building strong, influential relationships across the School and the City of London Corporation, you will provide expert, strategic guidance while ensuring HR services remain professional, consistent, and responsive. You will also lead, develop, and empower the HR team, creating a cohesive and proactive function that delivers high‑quality outcomes and drives continuous improvement across all people‑related activity.

We’re excited to welcome a senior HR leader with substantial experience operating at strategic level within Higher Education, the arts, or a similarly complex environment. Bringing deep expertise across organisational change, workforce planning, employee relations, Learning & Development, recruitment, and policy development, you will provide credible, pragmatic leadership while championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. As a Chartered CIPD professional (or equivalent), with strong knowledge of UK employment law and experience working with unions and governance bodies, you will influence senior decision‑making and ensure the School’s people strategy is modern, fair, and aligned with future organisational needs. Skilled in analysing HR data, managing statutory reporting, and leading high‑performing teams, you will drive a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional excellence. This role is eligible for hybrid working.

For more details, please download the Job Information Pack. If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please e-mail Carol Bernard, Head of HR, at carol.bernard@gsmd.ac.uk

Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 09^th March 2026

Interviews will be held w/c 16^th March 2026 and w/c 23^rd March 2026.

To apply online please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OOGS9273. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

All applications must include a completed application form. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

The City of London Corporation want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable. We are committed to regularly benchmarking and reviewing pay across the whole organisation and against external sectors.

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