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- Tasks: Manage HR administration and support senior leaders with HR matters.
- Company: Join Mercia Learning Trust, a growing partnership of schools in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Friendly team environment with a focus on employee growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to handle sensitive information.
The predicted salary is between 31015 - 33673 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 5 (£31,015 to £33,673)
Contract term: Full time, permanent
Start date: As soon as possible
Closing date: 8am Monday 11 May 2026
Mercia Learning Trust is a successful partnership of four primary and three secondary schools located in the south-west of Sheffield. Established in 2012, with one secondary school, our trust has grown to serving over 5000 pupils, with 650 staff.
Why do we exist? To empower everyone in our communities, especially the most disadvantaged, to succeed.
How do we behave?
- We are kind - showing care and supporting each other.
- We have integrity - doing the right thing and always putting children first.
- We work with diligence - overcoming obstacles and having no excuses.
What do we do? We run schools that focus on academic excellence, cultural capital and the development of character.
How will we succeed?
- A culture of excellence – high standards shaped by clarity, not control.
- Academic focus – empowering all children through an exceptional curriculum.
- Purposeful collaboration – relationships built on trust, reducing sub-optimisation and driving collective success.
Our staff are a crucial part of our trust, just like our pupils. We are devoted to recruiting, training, retaining and taking good care of our highly skilled and dedicated team.
The role: Due to upcoming growth of our trust, with an additional secondary school joining in September 2026, we are looking to expand our HR team. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to develop their career in human resources within a growing and supportive organisation.
As HR Officer, you will play a key role in delivering an effective and responsive HR service across our Trust and its schools. You will be responsible for managing day-to-day HR administration, supporting the HR advisor and HR director, and contributing to the ongoing development of our HR systems and processes. You will also provide guidance and support to senior leaders and stakeholders on a range of HR matters.
You will develop experience in employee relations casework, initially supporting and attending meetings such as absence reviews, with the expectation of taking on greater responsibility as your experience grows.
We are looking for someone who is approachable, organised, and an effective communicator, with the ability to build strong working relationships at all levels. You will be confident handling sensitive and confidential information and ensuring HR policies and procedures are consistently applied.
You will be joining a small, friendly, and supportive central team, working closely with colleagues across our trust. Applicants are welcome to discuss the role further with Emma Staley, Director of HR.
HR Officer in Sheffield employer: Mercia Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Mercia Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Officer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Mercia Learning Trust on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the trust's values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely aligns with our mission to empower communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. We want to see how you handle sensitive situations, so think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the HR Officer role. Highlight any relevant HR experience, especially in administration and employee relations, to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the trust’s mission. Share specific examples of how you embody our values of kindness, integrity, and diligence.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an HR Officer, effective communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and professionally. This could be through your writing style or by providing examples of past communication successes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercia Learning Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Mercia Learning Trust. Understand their mission, values, and the specific role they play in the community. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an HR Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you handle sensitive information and build relationships, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The role involves managing day-to-day HR administration, so be prepared to talk about your organisational strategies. Share specific tools or methods you use to stay organised and efficient, especially when handling multiple tasks or projects.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in HR situations. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your readiness to tackle real-life HR issues.