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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy to enhance educational outcomes for over 6,500 students.
- Company: Saffron Academy Trust, dedicated to high-quality education and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunity to shape educational leadership.
- Other info: Join a growing trust with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's education and lead transformational change.
- Qualifications: Strong HR management experience and excellent interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 73983 - 82837 £ per year.
Saffron Academy Trust seeks a committed and passionate individual to embrace our Vision, Values and Ethos and build on our strong foundations already in place. Our new Chief People Officer will provide inspirational, strategic and professional leadership which will ensure the continuing development and success of the Trust and its academies as places of transformational learning with a reputation for high standards across all aspects of its work.
The Chief People Officer will seek to further develop and deliver the vision and the aims of the Trust to create a platform for high standards of learning for all. We are a growing trust, currently a community of three secondary schools, one all-through school and five primary schools, serving more than 6,500 students and employing 1,000 staff.
The Chief People Officer will help to shape the evolution of the Trust as it seeks to build on its initial successes in bringing schools together to address disadvantages and to achieve outstanding outcomes for all pupils. The Chief People Officer will provide an outstanding HR service which supports the education of children and young people across the Trust’s schools.
The successful candidate will possess:
- A strong HR management background
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- The ability to think strategically and creatively
- A commitment to supporting high quality education for all children
The role provides a very real opportunity to contribute to the leadership of the strategic direction of our Trust. The new Chief People Officer will be supported by a strong, committed Central Team, Board of Trustees and Members, whilst at school level we have a strong governance structure and highly skilled Headteachers.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 12th May @ 10am. Interviews: Week beginning Monday 8th June 2026. If you are interested in finding out more about this role prior to application, please contact Kathleen Hutchinson (PA to the CEO) by email or on 01799 512184. Please see page 23 in the Candidate Information Pack for details regarding how to make an application.
Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check. Saffron Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To be considered for the role, please attach an application form when applying.
Chief People Officer in Essex employer: SAFFRON ACADEMY TRUST
Contact Detail:
SAFFRON ACADEMY TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer in Essex
✨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 Chief People Officer 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 those interviews! Research Saffron Academy Trust thoroughly, understand their vision and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. We love hearing about your strategic thinking and how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
✨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 community and contributing to the success of our schools.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Trust Inside Out: Before you start writing your application, take some time to really understand Saffron Academy Trust's vision and values. We want to see how you can align with our ethos and contribute to our mission of providing high-quality education for all children.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored specifically for the Chief People Officer role. Highlight your HR management experience and how it relates to our needs. We love seeing candidates who can connect their skills directly to what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Chief People Officer, you'll be leading a team and shaping the future of our Trust. Use your application to demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've inspired others in previous roles.
Follow the Application Instructions: Don’t forget to attach the required application form when you apply through our website! Following instructions shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is super important for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at SAFFRON ACADEMY TRUST
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research Saffron Academy Trust thoroughly. Understand their vision, values, and current initiatives. This will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
As a Chief People Officer, your HR management background is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led HR initiatives in the past. Highlight your strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills, especially in relation to enhancing educational outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
This role requires excellent interpersonal skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders, from staff to students. Use anecdotes that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively and foster a positive work environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the Trust's future plans, challenges they face, and how you can contribute to their success. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but also in the growth of the organisation.