At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of people strategies and enhance employee engagement across our schools.
- Company: Join the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, a rapidly growing Multi-Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, wellbeing support, and discounts on retail.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on shaping a positive organisational culture and workforce.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualification and experience in organisational development required.
The predicted salary is between 48226 - 52413 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced, strategic and forward-thinking individual to join our People Team as an Organisational Development Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our organisational development agenda, ensuring our people strategies, workforce initiatives and organisational culture support the Trust's vision and strategic objectives.
You will ideally be CIPD Chartered and hold a Level 7 CIPD qualification (or equivalent professional qualification). Working closely with the Director of People and wider leadership teams, you will play a key role in shaping workforce planning, employee engagement, recruitment and retention, wellbeing, reward and organisational effectiveness across the Trust.
To undertake this role successfully, you will need to be passionate about creating positive employee experiences and driving continuous improvement. You will have significant experience in organisational development, workforce planning, employee engagement and people analytics, together with the ability to influence and support stakeholders at all levels. You will be a strategic thinker with excellent communication and project management skills, capable of leading complex initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. A commitment to innovation, inclusion and developing a thriving organisational culture is essential.
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact across Lighthouse Schools Partnership, helping to attract, retain and develop talented colleagues who are committed to providing the very best education for our pupils. If you are an experienced organisational development professional with the skills, vision and enthusiasm to help shape and strengthen our workforce for the future, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the implementation of the Trust's People Strategy, ensuring people initiatives support organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
- Develop and deliver Trust-wide organisational development programmes that promote employee engagement, performance and organisational effectiveness.
- Lead strategic workforce planning, succession planning and workforce modelling activities to identify and mitigate future workforce risks.
- Develop and implement recruitment, attraction and retention strategies to support the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff across the Trust.
- Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the Trust's wellbeing strategy, promoting a positive and supportive working environment for all employees.
- Drive initiatives that strengthen organisational culture, inclusion, belonging and employee voice, ensuring staff feedback informs continuous improvement.
- Lead the development of workforce analytics, management information and people reporting, providing insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Oversee the review and development of people policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legislation, best practice and organisational priorities.
- Lead the Trust's job evaluation framework, providing advice on organisational design, role development and workforce structures.
- Build effective relationships with senior leaders across the Trust, providing expert advice and leading projects that support organisational development, employee experience and continuous improvement.
We can offer you:
- A welcoming and collaborative Trust.
- The opportunity to work across a diverse group of schools.
- A highly supportive central team committed to continuous improvement.
- The opportunity to influence people strategy across the Trust.
- Outstanding CPD and career development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- 24-hour confidential helpline and counselling.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme and launching in October 2026 an Electric Car Scheme.
- Discount retail platform with access to hundreds of discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility.
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) is a Multi-Academy Trust which has experienced rapid growth since it started in 2016. From September there will be 33 schools in the Trust. The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is cross-phase and includes Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary schools. The Trust is a mixed MAT and includes both non-denominational and Church of England schools.
We encourage you to browse our website for more information about the Trust.
Closing Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 3 September 2026
Safeguarding Statement: The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all in its community to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. As part of the shortlisting procedure an online search will be carried out. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check. A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the Trust website. We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
Organisational Development Manager employer: Astrea Academy Trust
Astrea Academy Trust is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and employee growth. Working at Yewlands Academy provides the unique advantage of being part of a dedicated team focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special educational needs, all within a nurturing environment that values relationships with staff, families, and external agencies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organisational Development 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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
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 Astrea Academy Trust!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Astrea Academy Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Organisational Development 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 Astrea Academy Trust. 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 Astrea Academy Trust 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.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Astrea Academy Trust. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Astrea Academy Trust's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Astrea Academy Trust
✨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 Astrea Academy Trust.
✨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!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Astrea Academy Trust 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.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
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 Astrea Academy Trust and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
