At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support a diverse workforce of 300 across our schools.
- Company: Join The Kite Academy Trust, dedicated to people and organisational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and fantastic employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to diversity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff wellbeing and student outcomes in education.
- Qualifications: CIPD membership or equivalent experience in HR management required.
The predicted salary is between 40292 - 55473 £ per year.
- Overview
- The Kite Academy Trust
- HR Manager — Full-time, 36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Kite Pay Band 4: £40,292 - £55,473 (dependant on experience).
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and experienced HR Manager to lead our Trust HR Business Services Team at an exciting stage in the development of The Kite Academy Trust.
Supporting a workforce of approximately 300 colleagues across our schools and central services, this is a significant leadership opportunity for an accomplished HR professional who is passionate about people, culture and organisational excellence.
Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, the successful candidate will shape and deliver the Trust\'s people strategy, ensuring our staff are well supported to achieve the best possible outcomes for pupils.
The HR Manager will lead and develop the HR Business Services Team, driving high standards of service delivery across the full employee lifecycle.
They will provide expert professional advice to leaders and managers, oversee complex employee relations matters, champion best practice and ensure the Trust remains an employer of choice within the education sector.
Working closely with the Director of Operations and the wider Executive Team, the postholder will contribute to strategic decision-making, support organisational change and lead the delivery of innovative, people-focused initiatives aligned to our Remarkable People Strategy.
They will be an influential leader, capable of turning strategy into action, building strong relationships and developing a high-performing and customer-focused HR service.
At The Kite Academy Trust, our mission, vision and values are central.
Through collaboration, shared expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement, we create the conditions for both our pupils and our people to flourish.
We welcome ambitious HR leaders who are keen to make a lasting difference.
Responsibilities
- Working as a strategic and hands-on HR Manager, driving business performance through compliant people practices and implementing people plans that align with the Trust\'s Remarkable People strategic aim.
- Support the HR team, providing leadership, coaching and guidance where appropriate.
- Research, design, implement and review a range of HR policies, procedures and initiatives, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and best practice.
- Provide expert advice to managers on employee relations matters.
- Develop close working relationships internally and externally to enable a culture of collaboration.
- Partner with leaders to address workforce challenges, including attendance, conduct and performance.
- Contribute to initiatives that improve employee engagement and wellbeing.
Qualifications
- Has CIPD membership or equivalent experience.
- Has experience as a HR/People Manager or similar in education or the public sector.
- Has strong working knowledge of HR best practice and employment legislation.
- Has a strong understanding across a broad spectrum of HR specialisms and functions (recruitment, reward, employee relations, performance management).
- Has a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Has experience of embedding robust end-to-end people processes.
- Has experience of using data and insight to communicate and influence decision-making within an organisation.
- Can demonstrate a commitment to the vision and values of our Trust.
- Has experience managing a small team.
- Can demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusive practices.
- Has experience supporting projects or business change activity.
- Is a strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Has excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Benefits
- A Trust which is committed to continuously improving colleague wellbeing.
- Regular support in your role as well as training opportunities.
- An incredible range of employee benefits (including retailer savings and discounts).
- 24 days annual leave (Increasing to 28 after 5 years of service).
- Workplace pension through LGPS.
How to apply
For further information, please contact Gemma Golland, HR or on 01252 984930.
To apply, please complete an application form and return it to .
- Closing date for applications: Friday 14 August at midday
- Interviews: w/c 1 September 2026
- Start: As soon as possible
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Kite Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We actively support the Government\'s Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.
We follow Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, and successful applicants are subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, satisfactory employment references and online searches.
We have policies and procedures that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.
We are an equal opportunities employer who value diversity and inclusion, guided by our values — positivity, respect, integrity, resilience and aspiration — and we are committed to creating a fair and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Join us and help make a difference in the communities we serve.
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HR Manager employer: The Kite Academy Trust
The Kite Academy Trust is an outstanding employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a commitment to excellence in education, employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and colleagues alike. Located in a vibrant community, the Trust fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, making it an ideal place for passionate HR professionals to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at The Kite Academy Trust!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at The Kite Academy Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at The Kite Academy Trust. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to The Kite Academy Trust and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at The Kite Academy Trust. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Kite Academy Trust's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kite Academy Trust
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with The Kite Academy Trust.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at The Kite Academy Trust will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact The Kite Academy Trust and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.