At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people strategy and develop systems for a creative education group.
- Company: Access Education Group, a dynamic and purposeful education organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, 35 days leave, hybrid working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact in a diverse and evolving environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while supporting passionate colleagues in their careers.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, education, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 86000 - 96000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the people agenda for an education group that is creative, ambitious and genuinely purposeful. Access Education Group brings together a portfolio of specialist education businesses delivering further education, higher education and apprenticeships across the UK. From creative and digital disciplines to sport and music, our work helps young people turn passion into skills, confidence and careers.
We are now looking for an experienced Director of People to lead the next chapter of our people function.
Why this role matters:
Across the Group, around 450 colleagues work across multiple sites, disciplines and delivery models. They are teachers, coaches, practitioners and support teams who care deeply about the learners they work with and the industries they serve. As the organisation continues to grow and evolve, we want our people practices to evolve with it. This role exists to make that happen.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping culture, strengthening leadership capability and ensuring colleagues are supported by clear systems, strong safeguarding and professional people practices. You will be both a strategic partner and a hands-on leader, helping the business move forward with confidence and care.
What you will be part of:
You will work across a diverse education group that includes:
- Further education provision in creative and digital disciplines
- Sport-focused education, including football pathways
- Higher education in music performance and production
- Apprenticeships aligned to the creative industries
Each part of the Group has its own identity and leadership, which makes this role interesting, varied and influential. You will help create consistency where it matters, while respecting what makes each part of the organisation unique.
What you will be doing:
- Partnering closely with the CEO and senior leaders to shape and deliver a clear, people-centred strategy
- Leading the development of people systems, workflows and policies that are fit for purpose and easy to use
- Ensuring safeguarding and safer recruitment practices are robust, consistent and trusted
- Supporting leaders to manage performance with confidence, fairness and humanity
- Improving onboarding so new colleagues feel welcomed, supported and set up for success
- Strengthening communication, engagement and retention across a dispersed workforce
- Leading and developing a small people team so they can focus on proactive, high-quality support
Requirements:
You will be a communicative, independent and emotionally resilient leader, comfortable working at pace in a role that will continue to evolve. You will thrive in complex, multi-site environments and bring calm judgement, credibility and a practical mindset to everything you do. You will have the confidence to influence at the highest level, balanced with the empathy to support people doing demanding, meaningful work. Experience in education, training or similarly regulated sectors is a strong advantage, as is experience improving HR systems and workflows. Above all, you will believe in the link between well-supported colleagues and great outcomes for learners. You will hold CIPD Level 5 or above, or equivalent.
If you are looking for a director-level role where you can build strong foundations, support passionate people and help shape the future of creative education, we would love to hear from you.
The recruitment process will include assessments, a screening interview and a panel interview. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The closing date for applicants is 12th March 2026.
Benefits:
- 10% on target bonus depending on Group and Personal performance, details will be shared upon start
- 35 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays
- Hybrid working
- Employee discounts through internal benefits platform
- Health Cash Plan through Westfield Health
- Doctorline GP Service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity benefits and Sick Pay
- Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme
This post is subject to Enhanced DBS clearance. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance, and all required references have been received and verified.
Director of People in Manchester employer: Thomas
Access Education Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central Manchester. With a strong focus on professional growth, generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave and a health cash plan, and a commitment to shaping the future of education, this role as Director of People provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People in Manchester
✨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 Thomas!
✨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 Thomas.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People in Manchester
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 Thomas. 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 Thomas 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 Thomas. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Thomas'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 Thomas
✨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 Thomas.
✨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 Thomas 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 Thomas and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
