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 health cash plans.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and influence.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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
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 encouraged to thrive through continuous learning and development opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of 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 people in your industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 and its culture. Understand their values and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the real interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace People & Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the People & Development Manager role. Highlight your HR leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD Level 5, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about shaping a high-performing culture and how your previous roles have prepared you for this position. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past experiences, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive improvements and influence change. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact – we love numbers!
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at STEM Learning
✨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 familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨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 their mission.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their current challenges in people management or how they envision the future of their workforce. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
