At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations and support leaders in people matters across multiple academy sites.
- Company: Join a dynamic multi-academy trust focused on people and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and travel across academy sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace relationships and culture in education.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 and significant HR experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 51356 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR professional to join our multi academy trust as Trust Deputy Lead for People & Culture. You will provide operational leadership across the People and Talent functions, acting as a trusted advisor to leaders and providing professional, compassionate and practical support across a broad range of people matters.
The Opportunity
- You will lead complex employee relations casework and support leaders with absence, probation, performance, organisational change, TUPE and workplace adjustments.
- You will oversee key People processes including recruitment, safer recruitment, onboarding, DBS checks, Single Central Records, contractual changes and the wider employee lifecycle.
- You will also supervise and develop the People team, while supporting the delivery of the Trust’s People Strategy across recruitment and retention, wellbeing, CPD, talent and succession planning.
- A key part of the role will be embedding our Relational Culture Charter, ensuring People practices are based on respect, fairness, inclusion, effective communication and a solution-focused approach.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional who combines strong technical HR knowledge with excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to positive workplace relationships. Experience within education, a multi academy trust or a similarly complex organisation would be highly desirable.
Requirements
- CIPD Level 5 minimum, or equivalent experience
- Significant HR generalist and advisory experience
- Proven experience managing complex employee relations casework
- Experience managing organisational change
- Experience leading and developing a team
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
- Strong understanding of safer recruitment and safeguarding requirements
- Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage difficult and sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism
- Strong organisation, prioritisation and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
- High level of confidentiality, integrity and discretion
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and HR systems
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and continuing professional development
Desirable
- Experience within the education sector or a multi academy trust
- Experience supporting senior leaders with complex people matters
- Experience with TUPE, restructures and organisational change
- Experience coaching and advising managers
- CIPD membership
- Experience using People data and workforce metrics
The multi academy trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. The role will require travel across academy and Trust sites.
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and supporting information, demonstrating how your experience and skills meet the requirements of the role.
Deputy Lead for People & Culture in Portsmouth employer: Spirehouse
Join a leading Catastrophic Injury team in Birmingham, Manchester, or Bristol, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment. With access to high-profile cases and exceptional mentoring, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Lead for People & Culture in Portsmouth
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Spirehouse!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Spirehouse.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Lead for People & Culture in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Spirehouse. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Spirehouse and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Spirehouse. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Spirehouse's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirehouse
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Spirehouse.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Spirehouse will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Spirehouse and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
