At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a People strategy across 84 schools and 4,000 staff.
- Company: Collaborative Catholic Education Trusts focused on community and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, commitment to diversity, and opportunities for meaningful impact.
- Other info: Welcoming diverse applicants and committed to safeguarding children’s welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while shaping a high-performing workforce.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and strong organisational development skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of People to lead the development and delivery of a diocesan-wide People strategy across three Catholic Multi‑Academy Trusts serving 84 schools and approximately 4,000 staff. This is a key strategic leadership role working closely with CEOs, Boards and school leaders to ensure a high‑quality, consistent and compliant People service.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver a forward‑thinking People strategy across all Trusts
- Provide strategic HR leadership at Executive and Board level
- Drive consistency, compliance and continuous improvement
- Support the development of a high‑performing workforce across all schools
About You
- Significant senior HR leadership experience
- Strong understanding of organisational development and workforce strategy
- Experience of leading change within complex organisations
- Ability to influence and build relationships at senior level
- Experience within education is desirable.
Being a practising Catholic is not a requirement, but it is essential that the successful candidate must be willing to support the Catholic ethos and values of the Trusts. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact across a large and collaborative educational community.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and other pre‑employment checks are required for successful applicants.
Our Trust strives to be a supportive, inclusive, caring, and positive community where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We are committed to cultivating an equitable working environment where staff treat one another with dignity and respect and where every individual can fulfil their potential. We warmly welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. This includes those of all faiths, the Catholic faith and those without a faith who are supportive of the Trust’s Catholic character and Christian ethos. This diversity is fundamental to our values and enriches the lives of the students within our schools.
We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome applications from people with a disability or long‑term health condition.
Strategic HR Director for Catholic Education Trusts employer: St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust
As a Strategic HR Director for the Catholic Education Trusts, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to fostering a high-performing workforce across 84 schools. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative work culture, where every staff member is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential while upholding our Catholic ethos. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in education, backed by a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Contact Details:
St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic HR Director for Catholic Education Trusts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your strategic thinking! When you get the chance to meet with decision-makers, be ready to discuss how you can drive consistency and compliance across multiple schools. Bring examples of past successes to the table – it’s all about demonstrating your impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews by understanding the Catholic ethos and values of the Trusts. Even if you're not a practising Catholic, showing your willingness to support their mission can really resonate with the hiring team. It’s all about aligning with their vision!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our supportive and inclusive community.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic HR Director for Catholic Education Trusts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HR leadership and organisational development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and values, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your ability to drive consistency and compliance across complex organisations. We’re looking for someone who can think ahead and lead a forward-thinking People strategy, so share examples of how you've successfully led change in the past.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills:Since this role involves working closely with CEOs, Boards, and school leaders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Use your application to illustrate how you’ve influenced senior-level stakeholders and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this unique opportunity to make an impact across our educational community!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust
✨Know Your People Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the current People strategy of the Trusts. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how your experience can align with their vision. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also invested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led HR initiatives or change management. Highlight your ability to influence at senior levels and how you've built relationships with CEOs and Boards. This is crucial for a strategic leadership position.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to discuss how you've driven consistency and compliance in previous roles. Think of instances where you've implemented processes that improved workforce performance. This will demonstrate your commitment to fostering a high-performing workforce across the Trusts.
✨Align with Their Values
While being a practising Catholic isn't a requirement, showing your willingness to support the Catholic ethos is essential. Familiarise yourself with the Trust's values and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their inclusive and caring community.
