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 focused on developing the whole person.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on HR operations and support over 6,000 pupils.
- 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.
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 London employer: Peridot Partners
Avanti Schools Trust is an exceptional employer that offers a collaborative and values-led leadership culture, allowing you to shape and strengthen HR across a growing network of schools. With a focus on hybrid working and significant opportunities for professional growth, you will be part of an organisation dedicated to developing the whole person—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually—while ensuring a high-quality HR service that schools can rely on.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources in London
✨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 and how they relate to the role. Being able to articulate your successes in improving HR systems and service delivery will set you apart from the competition.
✨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 Avanti Schools Trust and contributing to their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources in London
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 successes you've had in improving systems and service delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about HR in education and how you can contribute to Avanti Schools Trust's vision. Be sure to mention your experience with employee relations and case management.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see your leadership style come through in your application. Share examples of how you've built trusted relationships and led teams effectively in previous roles, especially in a school or MAT environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape HR across our growing Trust.
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.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leadership, so be prepared to share your approach to leading a team. Think about times when you've successfully developed your team or influenced change within an organisation and be ready to discuss these experiences.
✨Understand Avanti's Values
Familiarise yourself with Avanti Schools Trust's values and mission. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision of developing 'spiritually compassionate changemakers'.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their current HR challenges or how they envision the HR function evolving as the Trust grows. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
