At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop HR systems across a growing Trust of schools.
- Company: Avanti Schools Trust, dedicated to educational excellence and character development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape HR strategy.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with significant scope for professional influence and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on HR operations in a values-led organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong HR leadership experience in education and excellent employee relations skills.
The predicted salary is between 67025 - 76030 € per year.
Avanti Schools Trust is seeking a Head of HR to lead and strengthen operational HR across its family of schools and partner organisations. This is a pivotal leadership role within a growing Trust of 12 schools serving more than 6,000 pupils and 900 staff across London, the Midlands, and the South West. Avanti’s vision is to inspire “spiritually compassionate changemakers” through an approach that combines educational excellence, character development, and spiritual insight.
As the Trust continues to grow, there is a clear focus on strengthening the operational foundations of HR, ensuring schools receive a consistent, responsive and high-quality HR service they can rely on. This role is therefore ideal for someone who enjoys bringing clarity, structure and credibility to HR operations.
You will:
- Lead and develop the HR team
- Strengthen HR systems, processes and service delivery across the Trust
- Oversee payroll, compliance and operational HR activity
- Provide expert advice on employee relations and casework
- Improve consistency, visibility and responsiveness across HR
- Work closely with school leaders, Principals and senior colleagues
- Support organisational growth, restructures and change projects
- Help shape longer-term people strategy as the function continues to mature
This role requires a hands-on HR leader who is comfortable balancing operational delivery with wider organisational improvement. We are only considering candidates with education HR experience.
You may currently be:
- A senior HR leader within a MAT or school group
- An HR Business Partner supporting schools
- A senior HR Manager within a large school
What we’re looking for:
- Strong operational HR leadership experience within education
- Experience improving systems, structures and HR service delivery
- Strong employee relations and case management experience
- Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, compliance and people practice within schools
- The ability to build trusted relationships across a complex organisation
- A practical, visible and solutions-focused leadership style
Why join Avanti Schools Trust?
- Opportunity to shape and strengthen HR across a growing Trust
- A collaborative and values-led leadership culture
- Hybrid working across school and office locations
- Significant scope to influence how HR develops over time
- The chance to contribute to an organisation focused on developing the whole person - intellectually, emotionally and spiritually
Avanti’s values of self-discipline, respect, empathy, integrity, courage and gratitude underpin its approach to education, leadership and collaboration. For further information and details of how to apply, please apply via this advert.
Head of Human Resources in Harrow employer: Peridot Partners
Avanti Schools Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for HR leaders to shape and strengthen HR functions across a growing network of schools. With a collaborative and values-led culture, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and significant scope for professional development, all while contributing to an organisation dedicated to nurturing the whole person—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources in Harrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Avanti Schools Trust or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Avanti Schools Trust thoroughly. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've improved HR systems or handled complex employee relations cases. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to lead effectively in a school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Avanti team and making a difference in the education sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of HR role. Highlight your operational HR leadership experience in education and any improvements you've made to HR systems and service delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about HR in education. Share examples of how you've built trusted relationships and improved employee relations, showing us your practical and solutions-focused approach.
Showcase Your Values:Avanti Schools Trust values self-discipline, respect, empathy, integrity, courage, and gratitude. Make sure to weave these values into your application, demonstrating how they align with your own professional ethos.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure all your details are captured correctly and we can get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HR practices, especially within the education sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved HR systems and service delivery in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of HR, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to share how you've led teams effectively, built trusted relationships, and balanced operational delivery with strategic improvements. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your approach.
✨Understand Avanti's Values
Familiarise yourself with Avanti Schools Trust's values of self-discipline, respect, empathy, integrity, courage, and gratitude. Be prepared to explain how these values resonate with your own leadership philosophy and how you would embody them in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in HR situations. Think about challenges you've faced in employee relations or compliance and how you navigated them. This will demonstrate your practical, solutions-focused approach.
