At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools by providing expert HR advice and managing employee relations.
- Company: Join a dynamic Trust focused on school improvement and staff development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, especially in education, is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 46142 £ per year.
HR Partner Place Partnership Trust, Maltby Grammar Business Hub, Braithwell Road, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 8AA.
Contract: Permanent. Hours: 37 hours per week. Start Date: As soon as possible. Salary Band: J Points 32 to 25 (£42,839 to £46,142 per annum).
About the Role
We are seeking to appoint an experienced, organised, and influential HR Partner to work across our Trust in the West Hub. Through proactive, solution‑focused HR partnership, the postholder will play a key role in strengthening staff retention, workforce planning, and supporting leaders to deliver people plans that underpin school improvement.
The HR Partner will lead a portfolio of complex employee relations casework from triage through to resolution, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and attendance matters, as well as sensitive or high‑risk cases where required. Substantial HR experience, including in education or similar complex organisations, is essential to ensure the successful candidate can effectively deliver expert procedural advice informed by strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
As the primary HR contact for designated academies, the HR Partner will maintain a visible and proactive presence, building strong and trusted relationships with leadership colleagues. By developing a deep understanding of academy context and emerging challenges, the postholder will offer tailored advice informed by workforce needs and risk, contributing to leadership and planning meetings and providing insight on performance, staffing structures and culture.
Close collaboration with HR Operations, Payroll, and Finance colleagues will ensure seamless delivery of people processes across the Trust. The HR Partner will also build and maintain constructive working relationships with trade unions. Using workforce data and insight to identify trends and risks, the postholder will help shape interventions and lead or contribute to Trust‑wide projects such as policy development, employee benefits, workforce initiatives, engagement actions, leadership development and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Building leaders’ confidence and consistency through coaching, workshops and targeted development will be central to the role, promoting early intervention and restorative approaches that strengthen culture and reduce escalation.
About You
- Approachable and emotionally intelligent, building trust quickly with leaders and colleagues.
- Calm, resilient and composed under pressure, particularly in sensitive or high‑stakes situations.
- Analytical, methodical, and proactive, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Influential and confident, able to provide constructive challenge with tact and professionalism.
- Pragmatic and solutions‑focused, balancing empathy with consistency and sound judgement.
- Values‑led and fair, demonstrating integrity, impartiality, and discretion at all times.
- Collaborative and relationship‑focused, working effectively across teams and academies.
- Committed to motivating others and developing leadership confidence and capability.
- Positive and inspiring, able to champion high standards and contribute to a culture of belonging.
Benefits
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- 24/7 GP access
- Cash Healthcare plan
- Staff Rewards Gateway
- Smart Tech
Applications Close: 5th June 2026. Interviews expected to take place between 9 June and 12 June 2026.
Place Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
HR Partner employer: Doncaster City Council
Place Partnership Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth within a supportive and collaborative work culture. Located in the vibrant Maltby Grammar Business Hub, the Trust offers a range of benefits including a Cycle to Work Scheme, 24/7 GP access, and opportunities for leadership development, making it an ideal environment for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work in education or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust and its values. Show us that you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your HR expertise and how it can benefit them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your past experiences, especially those related to employee relations and workforce planning. The more confident you are, the better you'll come across!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR, especially in education or complex organisations, and show how you can contribute to strengthening staff retention and workforce planning.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your analytical and proactive skills shine through! Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle complex employee relations casework and your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
Be Personable:As an HR Partner, building relationships is key. Let your personality come through in your application. Share experiences that showcase your emotional intelligence and ability to build trust with leaders and colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Doncaster City Council
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled in the past, especially those involving complex employee relations. This will show that you have the experience needed for the role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since the role involves building strong relationships, practice how you'll connect with your interviewers. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built trust and rapport with colleagues or leaders. A friendly, approachable attitude can go a long way!
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data to identify trends and risks in previous roles. Bring examples of how your analytical approach has led to successful interventions or policy developments. This will demonstrate your proactive and methodical nature.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
During the interview, highlight your ability to balance empathy with sound judgement. Share instances where you've provided constructive challenges or solutions in high-pressure situations. This will reflect your pragmatic approach and commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.
