Location: Bucharest, Pipera area
Reports to: School Director
Team size: 3 direct reports

About the Role
We are recruiting a Director of People & Culture for a leading international school in Bucharest, part of a diverse and multicultural academic community. The role is strategic, people-centered, and strongly connected to the school's values of inclusion, respect, psychological safety, and professional excellence.
This position goes beyond traditional HR-acting as a culture shaper, a trusted advisor, and a connector of people and purpose. The Director will create a workplace where adults feel valued, supported, and empowered to model the behaviors expected from students.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic People & Culture Leadership
• Develop and implement a modern People & Culture strategy built on inclusion, empathy, well-being, and cultural intelligence.
• Lead climate, engagement, and belonging initiatives across all departments.
• Advise school leadership on organizational culture, human capital matters, and workforce planning.
• Promote transparency, trust, ethical leadership, and emotionally safe communication.
HR Management & Legal Compliance
• Ensure all HR practices comply with Romanian Labor Law, tax regulations, GDPR, and health & safety requirements.
• Oversee HR policies, contracts, payroll structures, and internal guidelines.
• Manage relationships with ITM, legal advisors, insurers, pension providers, and payroll partners.
• Prepare the annual HR cost budget and monitor personnel structure, compensation, and benchmarking.
Recruitment, Onboarding & Talent Development
• Lead equitable and transparent recruitment processes for both local and international hires.
• Coordinate onboarding, relocation, and integration programs.
• Oversee performance management processes, feedback frameworks, and professional development initiatives.
Compensation, Payroll & Benefits
• Oversee payroll together with the Finance Office, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Develop compensation strategies aligned with internal equity and international benchmarks.
• Communicate clearly and consistently on salary structures, benefits, and allowances.
Leadership & Team Development
• Lead and coach the People & Culture team and Reception/Front Office team.
• Promote systems, practices, and routines that strengthen clarity, predictability, and trust.
• Facilitate professional learning on leadership, communication, and organizational culture.

Education
• Master's degree in HR, Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certifications such as SHRM, CIPD, CPA, or HR legal coursework are an advantage.
Experience
• 8-10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of Romanian labor law, contract structures, tax and benefits practices.
• Experience in multicultural, mission-driven, or educational environments is highly valued.
• Proven experience leading organizational change and building culture.
Skills & Competencies
• Fluency in English and Romanian.
• High emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and sound judgment.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, including in sensitive conversations.
• Ability to balance legal compliance with a human-centered approach.
• Proficiency with HRIS, payroll, and digital workflow systems.
• Integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.