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- Tasks: Lead HR operations, enhance systems, and support transformational projects.
- Company: Join a values-driven Trust focused on Courage, Innovation, and Excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a fantastic wellbeing package.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while shaping impactful processes.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or equivalent with HR operations experience.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth and change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and values-led HR professional to play a central role in delivering outstanding people operations across our Trust—ensuring our staff, schools and pupils are supported by robust processes, high-quality systems and a culture built on Courage, Innovation and Excellence.
As our People Operations Manager, you will be at the heart of our People Team—leading operational delivery, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring we meet our statutory and regulatory responsibilities. You will take ownership of key Trust-wide functions, including:
- Managing payroll and pensions (TPS & LGPS), ensuring accuracy and legislative compliance
- Overseeing and enhancing our HRMIS and people systems
- Ensuring robust data governance, including managing DSARs
- Developing clear, effective people policies and SOPs
- Leading and analysing people data to influence decision-making
- Supporting transformational projects and Trust-wide initiatives
- Embedding our ED&I strategy and strengthening internal communications
The role includes providing hands-on operational HR support, driving continuous service improvement, and collaborating with the People Team to ensure high-quality, responsive service to schools within the Trust.
Qualifications
- Professionally qualified (CIPD Level 5 or equivalent)
- Experienced in HR operations, change delivery and project management
- Skilled in payroll, pensions, employment law and people systems
- Confident working with data, KPIs and reporting
- Calm, resilient and able to think on your feet
- An excellent communicator who can influence, persuade and collaborate at all levels
- Passionate about safeguarding, inclusion and providing high-quality support to schools
- Driven by values—role modelling Courage, Innovation and Excellence in everything you do
Benefits
- At PFT, people are at the centre of everything we do. You’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative team committed to making a real difference for our pupils and communities.
- A culture rooted in trust, ambition and continuous improvement
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- The chance to shape processes, drive change and leave a legacy across the Trust
- A flexible working approach, including remote working
- A fantastic wellbeing package including access to GPs, nurses, physiotherapy and face-to-face counselling services
- The opportunity to contribute to meaningful, values-driven education
People Operations Manager employer: THE PRIMARY FIRST TRUST
Contact Detail:
THE PRIMARY FIRST TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the 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 culture and values. Make sure you can demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission of Courage, Innovation, and Excellence. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements in HR operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the People Operations Manager role. Highlight your HR operations experience, especially in payroll and pensions, as well as any project management successes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your values align with ours—Courage, Innovation, and Excellence. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since the role involves working with data and KPIs, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in analysing people data. This will show us that you can influence decision-making effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE PRIMARY FIRST TRUST
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the People Operations Manager role. Brush up on payroll, pensions, and HRMIS systems, as well as relevant employment laws. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Values
Since the company values Courage, Innovation, and Excellence, think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities. Be ready to discuss how you've modelled these values in your work and how they align with the Trust's mission.
✨Data is Key
As this role involves working with data and KPIs, prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting. Bring specific examples of how you’ve used data to influence decision-making or improve processes in previous roles.
✨Engage and Communicate
Practice your communication skills, as you'll need to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders. Think about how you can effectively convey your ideas and support your points with evidence from your experience. A confident and clear communicator will stand out!
