At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a proactive workforce strategy for our growing multi-academy trust.
- Company: St Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust, dedicated to nurturing exceptional educational communities.
- Benefits: Supportive executive team, personal development opportunities, and a vibrant community of school leaders.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to making a real impact in education.
- Why this job: Shape a new People strategy and inspire a culture of growth and wellbeing in education.
- Qualifications: Visionary leadership skills and experience in HR strategy development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Weeks: 52 weeks although Term Time plus 3 Weeks would be considered.
Location: Central Trust Headquarters with travel across our academies
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 13th July 2026
Interview Date: W/C Monday 13th July 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
St Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust currently serves our family of 14 schools across Rotherham, Doncaster and Nottinghamshire and is on a growth strategy to accommodate 24 schools in line with the Bishop’s vision for education. Guided by Gospel values, we are seeking a visionary Director of People to spearhead our overarching workforce strategy. As a key member of our Director Leadership Team, you will transition our HR functions from operational delivery to a proactive, strategic powerhouse. You will champion a culture where staff development, wellbeing, talent management, and spiritual ethos are deeply intertwined, resulting in a workforce that is not only exceptional but sought after as a professional community.
While you do not need to be a practicing Catholic, you must be deeply committed to upholding and enriching our distinctive Catholic ethos, ensuring equity, care, and professional flourishing for our colleagues. Whilst on its journey of growth, the Trust is seeking to appoint a candidate who has the vision, skills and experience to build our People Strategy from the ground up. We are excited to welcome a director who can inspire, create and lead alongside an exceptional team dedicated to nurturing our Trust to be a trailblazer in education.
What we offer:
- A highly supportive executive team and an ambitious Trust Board.
- The unique opportunity and trust to shape a newly formed People strategy from the ground up.
- A strong commitment to your personal professional development.
- An energetic and ambitious Central Team who are committed to the success of all.
- A wonderful community of school leaders who protect and develop each other in the name of the common good.
How to Apply:
If you would like to have a discussion about the role and speak with either Siobhan Kent, CEO or Sarah Graham, CFOO, please contact recruitment@stfranciscmat.com. Applications close at 9am on Monday 13th July 2026 and should be submitted online via this link.
Director of People in Rotherham employer: St Francis CMAT
St Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape a newly formed People strategy within a supportive and ambitious environment. With a strong commitment to personal professional development and a vibrant community of school leaders, employees can thrive while contributing to a mission that intertwines staff wellbeing and spiritual ethos. Located at the Central Trust Headquarters, this role promises meaningful engagement across multiple academies, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in Rotherham
✨Join HR Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Rotherham
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 St Francis CMAT. 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 St Francis CMAT 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 St Francis CMAT. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to St Francis CMAT'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 St Francis CMAT
✨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 St Francis CMAT.
✨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 St Francis CMAT 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.
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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 St Francis CMAT and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
