People Partner (HR)

Competitive salary with progression opportunities, Local Government Pension Scheme, 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service, collaborative MAT network, and additional LAT benefits.

Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) is one of the South East’s largest and most progressive multi-academy trusts, encompassing 33 academies across Kent, Medway, and South East London, spanning primary, secondary, grammar, all-through and specialist provision. We are ambitious, values-led and committed to our people. Our People Services team is at the centre of that ambition, guided by Be Leigh, our cultural framework that defines what every colleague should experience at the Trust. We are now developing our next People Strategy, which will shape how we recruit, develop and retain our people through to 2030.

This is a senior, varied and fast-moving role. You will manage the Employee Experience team, overseeing workload and casework, building capacity and being the person your People Advisors and Administrators turn to when they need support, guidance or a steer. You will manage a complex caseload, support chairs at formal hearings, undertake and support investigations, lead on restructures, TUPE and redundancy, and provide expert advice and appropriate challenge to senior leaders. You will also play an active part in developing the team.

You are an emotionally resilient, solutions-focused HR professional who puts colleague experience first. You possess the commercial acumen to advise at a senior level and the technical expertise to navigate complex employment law.

This isn't a role where you will stand still. You will gain a varied, genuinely challenging portfolio with real autonomy in a massive, complex organisation. You are joining us at a pivotal moment as we build a world-class people function that directly impacts thousands of colleagues.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary from £41,348 - £53,178 per annum, based on experience
• Generous annual leave (25 days, increasing to 30 after 5 years' service + bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Free on-site parking
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme & 24/7 GP service

This is a full-time, hybrid role. You will work four days in the office or across your academy portfolio, with one day working from home. Your academies will be based across North West Kent and South East London.

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.