At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our people strategy and drive a high-performing culture 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 continuous growth and improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future workforce while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience and strong knowledge of UK employment law required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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. 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 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 high-performing culture, employees are encouraged to thrive through continuous development opportunities and a supportive environment that champions inclusion and collaboration. Located in York, this role not only allows for hybrid working but also provides the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future workforce through STEM education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People & Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or attend local events related to HR and organisational development. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. At STEM Learning, they value sustainability, innovation, and proactivity, so think about how your experiences align with these principles and be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table as a People & Development Manager. Highlight your experience in driving organisational change and developing people strategies that resonate with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the STEM Learning team.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the People & Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR and organisational development, and show how your values align with STEM Learning's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and how you've influenced change in previous roles. We want to see examples of how you've developed people strategies and fostered a positive culture.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for learning and development, and how you can contribute to our inclusive workplace.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people in our team.
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 the People & Development Manager role. Familiarise yourself with STEM Learning's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or driven change. Highlight your ability to influence culture and improve processes, as these are crucial for this role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could be about their current people strategy or how they measure employee engagement. It shows you’re proactive and interested in contributing to their success.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Collaboration
STEM Learning values a positive and inclusive culture, so be sure to discuss your commitment to diversity and collaboration. Share specific examples of how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment in previous roles, as this will resonate well with their ethos.
