At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR services, drive talent initiatives, and support organisational growth.
- Company: Join Avanti Schools Trust, a values-led organisation focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to influence positive change.
- Other info: Opportunities for school visits and interviews on 8th July.
- Why this job: Shape a thriving culture and empower colleagues in a fast-growing Multi Academy Trust.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience, strong HR expertise, and excellent relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 54471 - 61547 £ per year.
Salary: Grade MGI London: £54,471 - £61,547 per annum Leicester and Bishop’s Stortford: £50,067 - £57,145 per annum
Please note: The position can be based at any of our locations in London, Bishop’s Stortford or Leicester.
About us and the role
We are seeking an experienced and influential HR professional to join our team as Deputy Head of HR. This is a significant leadership opportunity within a values-led organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional educational outcomes and inspiring young people to flourish. Avanti Schools Trust is a growing MAT, providing pupils across its schools with an outstanding education grounded in the inclusive and distinctive Avanti ethos of educational excellence, character development, and spiritual insight.
Working closely with the Head of HR, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering a strategic people agenda that supports organisational growth, strengthens workforce capability and promotes a positive and inclusive employee experience across the Trust. As a senior member of the HR leadership team, you will provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, organisational change, talent management and workforce planning, while ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, compliance and people practice.
You will lead and develop HR services, support senior leaders in achieving their objectives and help foster a culture where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best. This role offers the opportunity to influence organisational culture, drive continuous improvement and contribute to an organisation where people are central to long-term success.
We are looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking HR leader who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to build trusted relationships, inspire confidence and deliver meaningful change.
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 8th July at Avanti House Secondary School. School visits are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange a suitable time.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing Multi Academy Trust with schools based in London, the midlands and the South West of England. All Avanti schools provide pupils with an outstanding education rooted in the inclusive and distinctive Avanti Schools ethos of educational excellence, character development, and spiritual insight.
What will you do?
- Lead the delivery of a high-quality HR service across the organisation, deputising for the Head of HR and providing expert advice on complex employee relations, workforce strategy and organisational change.
- Take strategic responsibility for safer recruitment, safeguarding-related HR practices and statutory compliance, ensuring robust processes, governance and risk management across schools and partner organisations.
- Drive talent attraction, recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and retention initiatives, helping to position the organisation as an employer of choice within the education sector.
- Lead, develop and support the HR team while continuously improving policies, systems and people practices to deliver consistent, efficient and compliant services.
- Partner with senior leaders to foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture, supporting wellbeing, employee engagement, workforce development and organisational growth.
What are we looking for?
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
- Confidently use specialist ICT packages including full working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint and Outlook.
- Working with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise and efficiently manage a high-volume workload.
- Proven ability to develop effective professional working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students.
Deputy Head of HR employer: Avanti Schools Trust
Avanti Schools Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees while delivering outstanding educational outcomes. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and character development, the Trust fosters a collaborative work culture where HR professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Employees benefit from strategic leadership opportunities, professional development, and a supportive environment across multiple locations, including London, Leicester, and Bishop’s Stortford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of HR
✨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 Avanti Schools Trust!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 Avanti Schools Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of HR
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 Avanti Schools 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 Avanti Schools 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 Avanti Schools Trust. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Avanti Schools 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 Avanti Schools 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 Avanti Schools 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 Avanti Schools 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 Avanti Schools Trust and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
