People & Development Manager in Heslington

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.