At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations across multiple schools, ensuring compliance and excellent service delivery.
- Company: The Dean Trust, a growing educational charity with a focus on positive employee experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to improving outcomes for schools and students.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent, with significant HR generalist experience.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 47181 £ per year.
The Dean Trust is seeking an experienced and proactive HR Operations Manager to play a key role in delivering a high-quality, efficient and compliant HR service across our growing family of schools. Reporting to the HR Director, you will lead the Trust's HR operations function, ensuring excellent service delivery, effective HR systems and processes, robust compliance, and a positive employee experience. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled HR professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about continuous improvement and people-focused service delivery.
About the Role
- Lead and develop the Trust's transactional HR service across multiple schools.
- Provide expert HR advice and guidance to leaders and colleagues across the Trust.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and HR best practice.
- Manage and enhance HR systems, data reporting and operational processes.
- Support the delivery of the Trust's People Strategy through operational excellence and HR improvement projects.
- Line manage and develop HR Assistants and HR Administrators, fostering a high-performing HR team.
You will be part of a wider HR team who are distributed across different sites across the Trust and regular travel between all Trust sites will be a prerequisite of the role.
About You
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent).
- Significant experience in a HR generalist role with responsibility for HR operations.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, recruitment, payroll processes and HR systems.
- Experience of leading, supporting or developing team members.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to build strong stakeholder relationships.
Why Join The Dean Trust?
The Dean Trust is an educational charity established in April 2012, that currently comprises of 11 academies, 6 secondary, 4 primaries and 1 through school, operating in 3 hubs covering Trafford, Manchester, Knowsley and Wigan local authority areas, including some of the most deprived areas of the country. The Trust has seen steady growth since incorporation and aspires to grow further in the future. At The Dean Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment where colleagues can thrive professionally and personally. You'll join a collaborative team dedicated to delivering excellent outcomes for our schools, staff and students.
Application
- Application Closing Date - Monday 29 June 2026 at 9.00 am
- Interview Date - To be confirmed
Contact
If you have any questions about the role please contact us on 0161 973 1179 or email katiehurst@thedeantrust.co.uk
We are an Equal Opportunities employer committed to ensuring inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates including those from underrepresented groups, and/or with protected characteristics. The Dean 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 post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
Thank you again for your interest in working for The Dean Trust. We look forward to hearing from you.
HR Operations Manager employer: Ashton-on-Mersey High
The Dean Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from opportunities to grow within a collaborative team that prioritises excellence in education across multiple schools. Located in the vibrant areas of Trafford, Manchester, Knowsley, and Wigan, The Dean Trust not only values diversity and inclusion but also actively contributes to improving the lives of students in some of the most deprived communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Operations Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Ashton-on-Mersey High!
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We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Ashton-on-Mersey High. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Ashton-on-Mersey High and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Ashton-on-Mersey High
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Ashton-on-Mersey High.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at Ashton-on-Mersey High will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Ashton-on-Mersey High and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
