At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations and payroll while mentoring a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Sussex Learning Trust, a forward-thinking educational organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a high-impact environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the educational experience of children in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong coaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 47181 £ per year.
Based in Cuckfield, West Sussex
SLT Scale £45091 - £47181 (based on 37 hours) subject to experience
34 - 37 hours per week (with some flexibility to work more hours in term time and less during school holidays if required)
Are you ready to make Monday mornings something to look forward to? At Sussex Learning Trust, we’re growing and so is our commitment to our people. We’re looking for a dynamic HR Leader to step into this brand-new role and help shape the future of our People Services.
As a key partner to our Chief People Officer, you’ll be the bridge between big-picture strategy and high-impact operational delivery. If you are a "people person" who loves the "people process", we want to hear from you.
The Role
- Deliver Excellence: Lead a credible, customer-focussed HR service that supports our academies and staff with sensitivity and expertise.
- Coach & Mentor: Be the go-to expert for complex casework, coaching your team to provide top-tier advice across the Trust.
- Operational Precision: Ensure our payroll is accurate, timely, and seamless.
- Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with the CPO and academy leaders to drive initiatives and programmes that genuinely improve the working lives of our staff and the outcomes for our pupils.
About You
- You’re a natural leader who is just as comfortable "getting stuck into the details" as you are advising senior leadership. You possess:
- Resilience & Rapport: The ability to build instant credibility and navigate organisational change with a positive, "can-do" attitude.
- Expertise: A proven track record of coaching managers and solving complex people puzzles.
- Balance: A team-player mindset with the autonomy to own your workspace.
- Flexibility: An outcome-focussed approach that values results over rigid processes.
Why Sussex Learning Trust?
- A High-Impact Culture: A forward-thinking, supportive environment where you have the space to shine.
- Flexibility: We recognise your life outside of work and offer some flexibility in how you achieve success.
- Purpose: The chance to directly influence the educational experience and future of children across our region.
(Note: This role involves some travel to our academies.)
Ready to make a difference? If this feels like your next chapter, our Chief People Officer Julie Keylock would love to hear from you.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS MADE BY CV
Closing Date: 9.00am 25th May
Interview Date: TBC 1st week of June.
We advise applying promptly for this post as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.
Head of People Services in Crawley employer: Sussex Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Sussex Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People Services in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the best fit for the Head of People Services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to meet the hiring team.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Services in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for HR and how you connect with people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Head of People Services. Highlight your experience in leading HR operations and coaching teams, as these are key aspects we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellence and drive change, as this will really catch our eye.
Follow Our Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you follow that process. It’s super easy, and it ensures your application gets to us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Learning Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Sussex Learning Trust's mission and values. Understand their approach to HR and how they support their academies. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership experiences, especially in coaching and mentoring. Prepare specific examples of how you've guided teams through change and resolved complex people issues. This will demonstrate your capability as a dynamic HR leader.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role requires a flexible approach, think of instances where you've successfully adapted to changing circumstances. Highlight your ability to balance operational precision with a people-focused mindset, showing that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about their vision for the People Services department. Inquire about the challenges they face and how you can contribute to overcoming them. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in making a difference.