Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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 is exclusive to Kellie Gordon at Appoint-Ed.
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
HR Lead - What You’ll Be Doing:
- 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
HR Lead - What We’re Looking For:
- 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
Contact Detail:
Appoint-Ed 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 others and gain insights into the specific challenges and opportunities in this field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in HR technology, particularly systems that are used in educational settings. Being knowledgeable about these tools will not only enhance your application but also prepare you for the role of implementing a new HR system.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Victorious Academies Trust and understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face. Tailoring your approach to align with their goals will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with HR casework and how you've successfully managed similar situations in the past. Be ready to provide examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to support schools in complex HR matters.
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 across multiple schools.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your understanding of the role's responsibilities. Mention specific experiences where you've successfully managed HR processes or led initiatives that align with the Trust's goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as communication, resilience, and analytical thinking. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, especially in challenging situations.
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
✨Showcase Your HR Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your HR knowledge, especially in areas relevant to education and local authority policies. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement HR strategies across multiple schools and ensure compliance with regulations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an HR Lead, you'll need to show that you can lead recruitment processes and support schools effectively. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, highlighting your ability to mentor and upskill others.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific situations you've faced in HR, particularly in education, and how you navigated them to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex HR topics. This will demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure and convey important information to various stakeholders.
