At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations across multiple academies, ensuring a values-led culture.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Multi Academy Trust focused on people development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to shape organisational culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education by enhancing leadership and workforce planning.
- Qualifications: Proven senior HR leadership experience and deep knowledge of UK employment law.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and change in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We're supporting a Multi Academy Trust with a broad, multi-site footprint and a strong focus on building a consistent, values-led culture. The Trust is investing in its people agenda to strengthen leadership capability, improve workforce planning, and ensure best-practice HR delivery across its academies and central teams.
This is a senior, strategic HR leadership position with real operational credibility required. You'll lead the HR function, acting as a trusted partner to executive leaders and the academy leadership team, balancing day-to-day casework oversight with longer-term workforce strategy, organisational development, and policy governance.
What you'll be responsible for:
- Owning and delivering a Trust-wide people plan (workforce planning, retention, capability, and culture)
- Providing expert guidance on complex employee relations matters (performance, absence, grievance/disciplinary, restructures, etc.)
- Leading recruitment and onboarding approach across the Trust, ensuring robust process and compliance
- Strengthening performance management and leadership development activity across academies and central services
- Reviewing and improving HR policies, ensuring alignment with current employment law and education-sector expectations
- Using people data/MI to spot themes, reduce risk, and inform decision-making at senior level
- Supporting change activity (structures, consultation, ways of working) with clear stakeholder engagement
- Ensuring safe, compliant HR practice and high standards of confidentiality and record-keeping
What we're looking for (essential):
- Strong senior HR leadership experience within a Multi Academy Trust or similarly complex, multi-site organisation
- Deep knowledge of UK employment law and confident handling sensitive, high-impact casework
- Evidence of delivering practical HR strategy (not just maintaining processes)
- Excellent influencing skills with credibility at executive and board/stakeholder level
- Ability to lead and develop an HR team and drive consistent standards across multiple locations
- Relevant senior HR qualification (or equivalent demonstrable experience)
Useful / advantageous:
- Organisational development, change, or cultural improvement programme exposure
- HR systems/process improvement experience and comfort with reporting/analytics
- Experience working in a regulated, compliance-led environment
Interim Head of HR employer: Panoramic Associates
Contact Detail:
Panoramic Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of HR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or HR field. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's values and culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see you shine as a strategic partner who can drive their people agenda forward!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in handling complex employee relations matters. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your operational credibility and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of HR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Interim Head of HR role. Highlight your senior HR leadership experience and any relevant achievements in multi-site organisations to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share examples of how you've successfully led HR strategies and influenced stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Employment Law: Since this role requires deep knowledge of UK employment law, make sure to mention your experience handling sensitive casework. We want to see that you can navigate complex employee relations matters with ease!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panoramic Associates
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex employee relations matters in the past, as this will show your operational credibility.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and implemented HR strategies that align with organisational goals. Highlight your experience in workforce planning and cultural improvement, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about how you've led HR teams and influenced stakeholders at all levels. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in multi-site environments.
✨Engage with Data
Familiarise yourself with people data and management information (MI). Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making and improve HR processes, as this will be crucial for the role.