HR Manager

HR Manager

Derby Full-Time 38700 - 43000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR for 25 schools, ensuring compliance and supporting the Executive Team.
  • Company: Join St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, dedicated to enhancing student experiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, and a competitive pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 or equivalent HR experience required; knowledge of employment law essential.
  • Other info: Informal discussions welcome; commitment to safeguarding children is paramount.

The predicted salary is between 38700 - 43000 £ per year.

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Job title HR Manager Job reference 000011278 Date posted 09/07/2025 Application closing date 21/07/2025 Working Pattern Blank Salary S2 Scale points 35 – 39 £44,711-£48,710 (pay award pending effective 1 April 25) Plus 23.6% Local Government Pension Contractual hours Blank Basis Blank Job category/type School Support Attachments Blank Job description

Location: St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust
Hours: 37 hours per week, all year round (additional hours may be required to meet the requirements of the role). Hybrid working at Derby central office, CMAT schools and home. Can be fully home-based during school holidays.
Contract type: Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity to partner the Executive Team and Headteachers as well as lead on the provision of a forward thinking, responsive and professional HR service to 25 schools in the delivery of our People Strategy ensuring the Catholic Multi Academy Trust (MAT) operates in the spirit of our values and remains compliant with employment law, health and safety, conditions of service, policies/procedures, Bishop’s Memorandum and best practice.


Working closely with the Director of People for the three CMATs and the Chief Executive Officer the successful candidate will also work with HR colleagues in the sister Trusts to ensure the delivery of consistent employee experience across the diocese and support the achievement of our strategic priorities.


The successful candidate will be CIPD qualified at Level 7 (or have equivalent HR experience), with proven employment law knowledge and confidence to apply this in a solution focused way that aligns with our ethos. A proven ability to lead and inspire a team and Ideally knowledge of schools’ terms and conditions of employment would be desirable, as would experience working with trade unions in a public sector setting. In exchange, the CMAT are committed to provide continuous development opportunities to support career progression. Whilst being a Catholic is not a requirement for this post, you must be willing to support the Catholic values and ethos.


In addition to a competitive salary, there is a generous local authority pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement and hybrid working flexibility.
We welcome informal discussion about the role. Please contact Debbie Stanley, Director of People at Debbie.Stanley@nottingham-des.org.uk
The St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory references, which will be requested, prior to interview, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, medical check, evidence of qualifications plus verification of the right to work in the UK.

Being part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust
On 1st September 2018, the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, part of the Diocese of Nottingham, brought together 25 Catholic schools located in Derby City, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and Stockport together in partnership, to ensure the very best spiritual, social and academic experiences and outcomes for the young people in our schools.
Everything we do is to better the lives and futures of our children, providing access to first-class teaching, both academically and spiritually and we are united by our collective vision to excel.


Why work for the St Ralph Sherwin Multi Academy Trust?


To find out why you should come and join our team, click on the link to our ‘Why work with us?’ brochure.


A summary of our fantastic benefits are as follows:


• Access to first class CPD opportunities. We also work in partnership with Nottingham Teaching School Alliance to deliver meaningful and relevant CPD. Our Leadership Academy identifies and develops future leaders.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression – with 25 academies in our family, and 84 academies across the Diocese, opportunities for career progression are a reality.
• Professional assistance – you will have access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential, independent and unbiased information and guidance 24/7. If clinically advisable, it also offers face-to-face counselling sessions.
• Pension – automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff, one of the most competitive on the market, with employer contributions of above 20% of salary.
• Terms and Conditions – we have committed to following nationally agreed terms and conditions for pay for both teachers and support staff.


For more information about our Trust and our Schools, please visit www.srscmat.co.uk


Connect with us on linkedin


Apply here: HR Manager at St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Derby, Derbyshire | MyNewTerm

The closing date for this vacancy is 21 July 2025. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.

Please see here for Recruitment Pack

Please see here for Why Work with Us?

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HR Manager employer: Derby City Council

At St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and well-being of our staff. With a commitment to continuous professional development, generous pension schemes, and a supportive work culture, we offer meaningful career progression opportunities across our 25 schools in Derby and surrounding areas. Our hybrid working model ensures flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to our mission of providing outstanding educational experiences for young people.
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Contact Detail:

Derby City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Catholic Multi Academy Trust's values and ethos. Understanding their mission will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to their goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current employment law and HR best practices, especially in the context of education. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also show your proactive approach to the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. Inquiring about the strategic priorities of the Trust or how they support HR professionals can demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager

CIPD Level 7 Qualification
Employment Law Knowledge
Team Leadership
Strategic HR Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of School Employment Terms and Conditions
Experience with Trade Unions
Adaptability to Hybrid Working
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Development
Conflict Resolution
Data Analysis for HR Metrics
Commitment to Safeguarding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the HR Manager position. Highlight key skills such as CIPD Level 7 qualification, employment law knowledge, and experience with trade unions.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your leadership abilities, HR expertise, and any relevant experience in a school or public sector setting.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your alignment with the values of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust. Mention your understanding of their People Strategy and how you can contribute to it.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council

✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the specific responsibilities of an HR Manager within a multi-academy trust. Familiarise yourself with the People Strategy and how it aligns with the values of the Catholic Multi Academy Trust.

✨Showcase Your CIPD Qualifications

As the role requires CIPD Level 7 qualifications or equivalent experience, be prepared to discuss your qualifications in detail. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

The successful candidate will need to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you have successfully led a team or project, focusing on your leadership style and how you motivate others.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to apply employment law in a practical context. Think of examples where you've had to navigate complex HR issues, particularly in a public sector or educational setting.

HR Manager
Derby City Council
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