At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic organisational development initiatives and enhance employee engagement across a large education organisation.
- Company: Join a dynamic multi-academy trust committed to shaping the future of education.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent pension, career development opportunities, wellbeing support, and more.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a focus on continuous improvement and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workforce planning and employee culture in education.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualification and experience in strategic organisational development required.
The predicted salary is between 48226 - 52413 £ per year.
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for an experienced, strategic and forward-thinking organisational development professional to join the People Team of a large education organisation, helping to shape and deliver the Trust's people strategy, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, employee engagement, wellbeing, reward and organisational effectiveness.
This is an exciting opportunity for an Organisational Development Manager to lead the development and delivery of a strategic organisational development agenda across a large, Multi-Academy Trust. As the Organisational Development Manager, you will support people initiatives that strengthen workforce planning, recruitment and retention, employee engagement, wellbeing, reward, organisational culture and continuous improvement. Working closely with senior leaders and the wider People Team, the Organisational Development Manager will provide expert advice, lead strategic projects and use people analytics to support evidence-based decision-making and measurable improvements.
DUTIES
- People Strategy: Lead the implementation of the organisations People Strategy, ensuring workforce initiatives support organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
- Organisational Development: Develop and deliver programmes that promote employee engagement, performance, culture development and organisational effectiveness.
- Workforce Planning: Lead strategic workforce planning, succession planning and workforce modelling to identify risks, gaps and future workforce needs.
- Recruitment and Retention: Develop recruitment, attraction and retention strategies, including initiatives for hard-to-recruit roles and talent pipelines.
- Wellbeing Strategy: Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of wellbeing programmes that support attendance, engagement and retention.
- Culture and Inclusion: Strengthen employee voice, inclusion, belonging and culture, ensuring staff feedback informs continuous improvement.
- People Analytics: Produce workforce reports, dashboards and management information, using data to provide insight and recommendations.
- Policy Development: Lead the review and development of people policies and procedures, supporting compliance, best practice and organisational priorities.
- Job Evaluation: Coordinate the job evaluation framework and advise on grading, role design, staffing structures and organisational design.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build effective relationships with senior leaders, headteachers and central teams, providing specialist organisational development advice.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- ESSENTIAL: CIPD Chartered Member with a CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent professional qualification.
- Strategic organisational development experience, with strong knowledge of workforce planning, employee engagement, people analytics and change management.
- Proven ability to lead complex projects, deliver measurable outcomes and support continuous improvement.
- Good understanding of leadership development, talent management, succession planning, inclusion and organisational culture.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex workforce data.
- Ability to influence, challenge and support senior leaders and colleagues across a multi-site organisation.
- Access to personal transport.
DESIRABLE:
- Understanding of education HR, safeguarding requirements and Keeping Children Safe in Education.
- Postgraduate qualification in Organisational Development, Leadership or HR.
- Experience within a large multi-academy trust, local authority or complex public-sector organisation.
- Specialist knowledge of organisational design, workforce planning and diagnostic methodologies.
- Knowledge of current research, best practice and emerging trends in educational settings.
- Experience supporting cultural and behavioural change across an organisation.
BENEFITS
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Outstanding CPD and career development opportunities.
- Apprenticeships and training pathways.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- 24-hour confidential helpline and counselling.
- Healthcare Cash Plan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Electric car scheme launching in October 2026.
- Retail discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility.
- Free parking across sites.
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. As part of the shortlisting process an online search will be carried out. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check.
Locations
Organisational Development Manager in Newport, Wales employer: AWD Online
Join a dynamic and supportive team within a large education organisation that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With a strong focus on shaping the people strategy, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development while making a meaningful impact across North Somerset and Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organisational Development Manager in Newport, Wales
✨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 AWD Online!
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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 AWD Online.
We think you need these skills to ace Organisational Development Manager in Newport, Wales
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 AWD Online. 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 AWD Online 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 AWD Online. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to AWD Online'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 AWD Online
✨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 AWD Online.
✨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 AWD Online 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 AWD Online and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
