At a Glance
- 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 drive transformational change.
- Qualifications: Strong HR management experience and excellent interpersonal skills.
Do you have the right skills and experience for this role? Read on to find out, and make your application.
Salary Range: LGPS points 54-60 (£73,983 - £84,915 FTE – Pay award pending)
Start date: 1st September 2026, or by agreement.
Every child deserves to go to a great school. 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. We are 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 7th July 2026 @ 10am. Interviews are expected to take place during week beginning Monday 13th July 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.
Please see page 23 in the Candidate Information Pack for details regarding how to make an application. To be considered for the role, please attach an application form when applying.
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.
Chief People Officer in Chelmsford employer: SAFFRON WALDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Saffron Academy Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, the Trust offers numerous growth opportunities and encourages innovative thinking to enhance educational outcomes for over 6,500 students. Located in a vibrant community, the Trust values its employees and provides a platform for impactful leadership in education, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive.
Contact Details:
SAFFRON WALDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Recruitment Team
