At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people strategy and drive organisational development at STEM Learning.
- Company: Join the UK's largest provider of STEM education and careers support.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, excellent pension, flexible working, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape a high-performing culture and make a real impact on future workforce development.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience and CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 plus pension & benefits
Location: York (Hybrid working available) – must live within a commutable distance
Full time
Closing date 12th June 2026
Why Join Us?
- 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday and Christmas closure
- Excellent pension scheme with 14.5% employer contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Up to 3 paid volunteering days per year
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health cash plans, cycle-to-work scheme and a range of additional staff benefits
Join STEM Learning and help shape a high-performing culture. At STEM Learning, we believe great people create great impact. As the UK's largest provider of STEM education and careers support, we work with schools, colleges, employers, government and partners to inspire young people, support educators and build the skilled workforce of the future.
We are looking for an experienced and proactive People & Development Manager to lead our people strategy, drive organisational development and champion a culture where colleagues can thrive. Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the CEO and Senior Management Team, this is a key leadership role with the opportunity to influence culture, raise standards, develop leadership capability and help shape the future direction of the organisation. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. You'll lead our HR function, manage a small HR team and act as a trusted advisor across the business, ensuring our people practices reflect best practice while supporting organisational growth and change.
The Role
- Strategy & People Leadership
- Develop and deliver a People & Culture strategy aligned to STEM Learning's vision and values.
- Partner with the Senior Management Team on workforce planning, talent development and organisational effectiveness.
- Drive improvements to systems, processes, policies and people practices.
- Strengthen our employee value proposition, helping to attract, retain and develop talented colleagues.
- Performance, Learning & Development
- Lead the development of a learning and development framework that supports continuous growth.
- Improve performance management processes, including objectives, feedback and appraisal cycles.
- Design and deliver leadership and management development initiatives.
- Embed a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement.
- Culture, Engagement & Wellbeing
- Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
- Lead employee engagement, wellbeing and feedback initiatives.
- Support managers through coaching, guidance and best-practice people management.
- Champion inclusion, collaboration and effective communication across the organisation.
- Governance, Compliance & Operations
- Lead the HR function and manage a small team of experienced HR Assistants.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and HR best practice.
- Oversee employee relations matters, policies, procedures and HR systems.
- Use people data and insight to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Support payroll, pensions and benefits administration in partnership with the finance team.
- Recruitment & Onboarding
- Lead and continuously improve recruitment and onboarding processes.
- Support succession planning and future workforce capability.
- Ensure a positive and inclusive candidate experience.
Our ideal candidate
We're looking for someone with the energy, credibility and leadership skills to influence change and drive improvements across the organisation.
Skills required:
- Significant experience in HR, People or Organisational Development leadership roles.
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (or above), or equivalent experience.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Experience developing people strategies, leadership capability and organisational culture.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- A passion for learning, development and continuous improvement.
- The confidence to challenge the status quo and implement positive change.
About us
At STEM Learning, we work to improve lives through STEM education. We support teachers, inspire young people and connect schools with employers to help build the UK's future workforce. Guided by our values of Sustainability, Innovation and Proactivity, we focus our efforts where they can make the greatest difference.
Next Steps
Closing date: 12 June 2026
First stage interviews (online): Week commencing 15 June 2026
Second stage interviews (York): Weeks commencing 22 & 29 June 2026
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV including details of two referees and a cover letter (maximum one side of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you would be a great fit.
STEM Learning is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be their best.
People & Development Manager in Middlesbrough employer: STEM Learning UK
STEM Learning is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a generous benefits package including 30 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements. With a strong commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive culture, employees are empowered to thrive through continuous learning and development opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of STEM education in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Development Manager in Middlesbrough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At StudySmarter, we believe that understanding the organisation's mission can help you tailor your responses and show how you align with their goals. Plus, it’ll make you stand out as a candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. We want you to feel confident and ready to tackle any question that comes your way during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace People & Development Manager in Middlesbrough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you're excited about the People & Development Manager role and how your experience aligns with our mission at STEM Learning. Keep it concise, but let your passion for people and development come through!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in HR and organisational development. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re the perfect fit for the role. We want to see how your skills can help shape our culture!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in areas like talent development and employee engagement. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at STEM Learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at STEM Learning UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a People & Development Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law, HR best practices, and how to develop effective people strategies. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also prepared to take it on.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you influenced change or improved processes. This is your chance to demonstrate your energy and credibility as a leader, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
STEM Learning values a positive and inclusive culture, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to that. Share your thoughts on promoting engagement and wellbeing, and how you’ve fostered a high-performing culture in previous roles. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a values level.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current people strategy, challenges they face, or how they measure success in the role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
