At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and support to schools, ensuring staff feel valued and empowered.
- Company: Join Ambition Community Trust, a growing Academy Trust focused on people and relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, free parking, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by shaping positive workplace cultures for schools.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 and experience in HR advisory roles with strong knowledge of UK employment law.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 40777 £ per year.
Opportunity to be part of a new HR Central Team in a growing Academy Trust.
Grade 7 Salary band £37,280 - £40,777. Permanent, full time 35 hours per week. Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme, offering generous employer contributions. Free onsite parking. Manchester based, with travel across Greater Manchester to engage directly with schools and partners.
Join a Trust Where People Matter. Ambition Community Trust is seeking an experienced and proactive HR Adviser to join our growing central team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering a professional and people‑centred HR service across our schools. Working closely with Headteachers and senior leaders, you will provide expert advice and practical support on a wide range of HR matters, helping to ensure staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. At Ambition Community Trust, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe schools flourish when kindness, inclusion, and collaboration are embedded in everyday practice. As an HR Adviser, you will help shape a positive workplace culture that reflects our values and supports excellent outcomes for children and young people.
About the Role: As part of the Trust HR team, you will provide high‑quality HR advice and operational support across a range of people management activities. Key responsibilities include:
- Advising managers on employee relations matters including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, and performance issues.
- Supporting formal HR processes such as investigations, hearings, and appeals.
- Providing day‑to‑day HR advice and guidance to school leaders and staff.
- Supporting recruitment campaigns and safer recruitment processes.
- Coordinating onboarding and pre‑employment checks.
- Assisting with the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
- Supporting performance management and workforce development initiatives.
- Maintaining HR systems and producing workforce reports and data analysis.
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the Trust.
About You: We are looking for a collaborative and solutions‑focused HR professional who is passionate about supporting people and developing positive working environments. You will have:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification.
- Experience working in an HR advisory role.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience managing employee relations cases.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- High levels of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
Experience within education or academy trusts, along with knowledge of safer recruitment and safeguarding requirements, would be advantageous.
Why Join Ambition Community Trust? Ambition Community Trust is committed to creating environments where both children and adults can flourish. We value compassion, collaboration, equity, and excellence, and we are proud to foster a culture where colleagues feel genuinely supported and empowered. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a growing and ambitious Trust that values its people and invests in professional development.
Safeguarding Statement: Ambition Community Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre‑employment clearances.
Requirements: The postholder must have a full driving licence & access to their own vehicle.
Equal Opportunities: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
HR Adviser for Schools — Central HR Team in Manchester employer: Ambition Community Trust
Ambition Community Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to professional growth, generous benefits such as membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across schools in Greater Manchester, this role as an HR Adviser is perfect for those looking to thrive in a collaborative environment where people truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Adviser for Schools — Central HR Team in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend local HR events, join online forums, or even reach out to current employees at Ambition Community Trust. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Share specific examples of how you've supported staff and improved workplace culture in previous roles.
✨Be Proactive in Interviews
During interviews, don’t just answer questions—ask them too! Show your interest in the role by inquiring about the team dynamics and how you can contribute to creating a positive environment for staff and students at Ambition Community Trust.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community-focused Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Adviser for Schools — Central HR Team in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the HR Adviser role. Highlight your CIPD Level 5 qualification and any relevant experience in education or academy trusts. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting people and creating positive working environments. Share specific examples of how you've done this in the past, and let us know why you want to join Ambition Community Trust.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an HR Adviser, strong communication is key. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point, so don’t be afraid to show off your interpersonal skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure all your documents are submitted correctly and you’ll be kept in the loop about your application status. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambition Community Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK employment law and HR best practices. Familiarise yourself with common employee relations issues like disciplinary and grievance procedures, as well as performance management. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to provide practical support.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since relationships are key at Ambition Community Trust, be prepared to discuss how you've built strong connections in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with managers or supported staff, highlighting your communication and interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
If you have experience in education or academy trusts, make it a focal point in your interview. Talk about how your background aligns with the Trust's values of kindness, inclusion, and collaboration, and how you can contribute to a positive workplace culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the role and the Trust. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to employee development or how they foster a supportive environment for staff.
