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For Companies 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 L £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 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
✨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 Sussex Learning Trust, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Being able to speak their language will definitely give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through change. Highlight your ability to coach and mentor others, as this is key for the Head of People Services role.
✨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 serious about joining our team at Sussex Learning Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for HR and how you connect with people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of People Services role. 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 resonate with us.
Follow Our Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications made through our website, so make sure you follow that process. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 connect your experience with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you've successfully guided teams through change. Prepare examples of how you've coached others and tackled complex HR challenges. This will demonstrate your capability as a dynamic HR leader.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Highlight your ability to adapt to changing environments and your focus on outcomes rather than rigid processes. Share specific instances where you've successfully navigated transitions or implemented new initiatives, showcasing your 'can-do' attitude.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current HR initiatives or how they envision the future of People Services. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.