At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop HR systems across a growing Trust of schools.
- Company: Avanti Schools Trust, focused on educational excellence and character development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape HR strategy.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with significant opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by enhancing HR services for schools.
- Qualifications: Experience in education HR leadership and strong 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 employer: Peridot Partners
Avanti Schools Trust is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for HR professionals to make a meaningful impact within a growing network of schools. With a collaborative and values-led culture, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and the chance to shape HR practices that support the development of over 6,000 pupils and 900 staff. The Trust prioritises personal and professional growth, ensuring that HR leaders can thrive in a role that balances operational excellence with strategic influence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of HR role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Avanti Schools Trust thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your own experience in HR. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their mission of developing 'spiritually compassionate changemakers'.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common HR leadership questions. Think about your past experiences in improving HR systems and service delivery, and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining Avanti Schools Trust and contributing to their growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources
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:At Avanti Schools Trust, our values are key. Make sure to weave in how your personal values align with ours—self-discipline, respect, empathy, integrity, courage, and gratitude—throughout your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure all your documents are submitted correctly and reach the right people!
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 or handled employee relations in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of HR, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to share how you lead teams and foster collaboration. Think about times when you've built trusted relationships with school leaders and how that positively impacted HR service delivery.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific HR challenges, like compliance issues or restructuring. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Align with Avanti's Values
Familiarise yourself with Avanti's values of self-discipline, respect, empathy, integrity, courage, and gratitude. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own approach to HR and how you can embody them in your role.
