At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR across 15 primary schools, ensuring compliance and strategic input.
- Company: Join Victorious Academies Trust, dedicated to supporting local education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 required; HR experience in education preferred.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to shape HR strategy in a growing trust.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ready to Lead HR Across a Trust? Are you an experienced school or local authority HR Advisor ready to step up? If you’ve got strong HR knowledge and a desire to make an impact across multiple schools, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
I’m working with Victorious Academies Trust in Tameside to find them a confident and capable HR Lead to support their 15 primary schools. As HR Lead, you’ll be the Trust’s go-to person for all things HR, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and supporting the Executive Team. You’ll make sure HR policies, systems and processes are consistent, compliant and people-focused, while offering strategic input as the Trust grows. You’ll also play a key role in implementing a new HR system and shaping the Trust’s HR strategy.
This is a brilliant step for someone with a solid HR foundation who’s ready to lead and influence across a wider setting.
HR Lead - The Essentials:- Actual salary: £42,204 - £47,940
- Full-time equivalent: £44,711 - £50,788
- Contract: Term-time plus 4 weeks
- Working pattern: Monday to Friday, hybrid around the needs of the Trust
- Location: Trust Office in Mossley (OL6), with travel across Tameside and Derbyshire
- Pension: Local Government Scheme - employer contributions of 19%
- DBS and references required
- Lead recruitment processes across the Trust, from adverts to onboarding
- Apply and uphold safer recruitment and equality policies
- Manage DBS, right to work, and safeguarding checks
- Coordinate induction and probation reviews
- Support schools with HR casework (grievance, conduct, capability)
- Liaise with legal advisers and arrange investigations where needed
- Maintain accurate staff records, including Single Central Records
- Oversee HR admin across schools - absence tracking, data, reporting
- Monitor and report on trends (absence, probation, recruitment, flexible working)
- Advise schools on HR processes: maternity, redundancy, allowances, etc.
- Guide line managers through absence management procedures
- Mentor and upskill admin staff to build HR confidence and consistency
- Support TUPE processes and HR due diligence for new schools
- Prepare HR reports and statutory returns
- Work closely with the COO on contracts with HR-related providers (DBS, EAP, OH)
- Manage the workload of an HR admin support role
- Be accountable for HR matters with financial implications
- CIPD Level 5
- Driving licence and own vehicle
- Someone who can support and challenge in equal measure
- Clear communicator who stays calm under pressure
- Resilient, organised and confident in decision-making
- Analytical mindset with a solutions-focused approach
- Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and policy
- HR experience in education or a similar setting
- Awareness of how HR fits into wider trust operations
- Willingness to complete own relevant onboarding checks, including an enhanced DBS.
This role is being handled exclusively by Kellie Gordon at Appoint-Ed. All direct approaches will be forwarded to Kellie. Agency CVs will be regarded as a gift.
Sound like the kind of role you’ve been looking for? Send your CV via this ad or speak to Kellie in the Appoint-Ed office.
HR Lead employer: Appoint-Ed Support Staff Ltd
Contact Detail:
Appoint-Ed Support Staff Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current HR professionals in the education sector, especially those who work within trusts. Attend local HR events or webinars to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities faced by multi-academy trusts. Understanding these dynamics will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the needs of Victorious Academies Trust during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with implementing HR systems and strategies. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led HR initiatives in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to take on the HR Lead position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of employment law and HR policies relevant to the education sector. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also impress the hiring team at Victorious Academies Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your HR experience, particularly in education or similar settings. Emphasise your CIPD Level 5 qualification and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and influence HR processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your desire to make an impact across multiple schools. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the HR Lead role, such as managing recruitment processes or supporting HR casework.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as clear communication, resilience, and an analytical mindset. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Appoint-Ed Support Staff Ltd
✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your HR policies, systems, and processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in an educational setting, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead across multiple schools.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As the HR Lead, you'll be expected to guide and influence others. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, highlighting your ability to support and challenge colleagues effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios where you managed HR casework or implemented new systems, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Research Victorious Academies Trust and understand their goals and challenges. Being able to articulate how your HR strategy can align with their vision will show your commitment and readiness to contribute meaningfully to their mission.