At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, ensuring excellent service delivery and compliance across multiple schools.
- Company: Join The Dean Trust, a growing educational charity with a focus on people and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: CCI PD Level 5 or equivalent, with significant HR generalist experience.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 47181 £ per year.
Start Date: As soon as possible. Band 8 Scale Points 33-36, £44,075 - £47,181 per annum (FTE). Full time, all year round, 36.25 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Permanent. Location: Office-based at Ashton on Mersey School with regular travel across all Trust sites.
About the Role
Reporting to the HR Director, you will lead the Trust's HR operations function, ensuring excellent service delivery, effective HR systems and processes, robust compliance, and a positive employee experience. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled HR professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is passionate about continuous improvement and people‑focused service delivery.
- Lead and develop the Trust's transactional HR service across multiple schools.
- Provide expert HR advice and guidance to leaders and colleagues across the Trust.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and HR best practice.
- Manage and enhance HR systems, data reporting and operational processes.
- Support the delivery of the Trust's People Strategy through operational excellence and HR improvement projects.
- Line‑manage and develop HR Assistants and HR Administrators, fostering a high‑performing HR team.
About You
We are looking for someone who has the following:
- CCI PD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent).
- Significant experience in an HR generalist role with responsibility for HR operations.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, recruitment, payroll processes and HR systems.
- Experience of leading, supporting or developing team members.
- A proactive, solution‑focused approach with the ability to build strong stakeholder relationships.
Why Join The Dean Trust?
The Dean Trust is an educational charity established in April 2012, currently comprising 11 academies, 6 secondary, 4 primaries and 1 through school, operating in 3 hubs covering Trafford, Manchester, Knowsley and Wigan local authority areas, including some of the most deprived areas of the country. The Trust has seen steady growth since incorporation and aspires to grow further in the future. At The Dean Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment where colleagues can thrive professionally and personally.
Application Closure
Application Closing Date – Monday 29 June 2026 at 9.00 am.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are an Equal Opportunities employer committed to ensuring inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates including those from underrepresented groups, and/or with protected characteristics. The Dean Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre‑employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
HR Operations Manager employer: Trafford Council
The Dean Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from a positive environment that fosters development and innovation across multiple schools in the Trafford and Manchester areas. Join us to make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying competitive remuneration and opportunities for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Operations 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 Trafford Council!
✨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 Trafford Council.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Operations 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 Trafford Council. 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 Trafford Council 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 Trafford Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Trafford Council'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 Trafford Council
✨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 Trafford Council.
✨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 Trafford Council 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 Trafford Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
