At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR operations, manage recruitment, onboarding, and employee wellbeing.
- Company: Join the Dean Trust, a growing educational charity with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to positive outcomes for schools and students.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR career.
- Qualifications: Previous HR experience and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 33699 £ per year.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Fixed term contract ending 31 December 2026
NJC Pay Scale, Band 5 Scale Points 19-22 (£32,061 – £33,699 per annum)
Working Pattern: We recognise that flexibility is important and are open to discussing alternative working patterns with the successful candidate, including all-year-round working. Full time working pattern is 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
Location: Office-based at Dean Trust Ardwick. Regular travel between all current and future Trust sites is required.
Join Our People Team
We are seeking a highly organised and professional Human Resources Assistant to join our HR team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual looking to develop their career within a supportive and dynamic educational environment. As a key member of the HR function, you will provide high-quality administrative and operational support across the employee lifecycle, helping to ensure our staff receive an excellent HR service. You will play a vital role in recruitment, onboarding, payroll administration, safeguarding compliance, employee records management, and supporting employee wellbeing.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be required to work as an HR Assistant for Dean Trust Ardwick Secondary School which is located south-east of Manchester city centre. You will be the sole HR specialist responsible for leading the operational HR function at the schools, therefore the ability to work independently and use own initiative to provide first line advice and solve queries is essential. The role will cover a diverse range of proactive and reactive HR related responsibilities including:
- Maintenance of staff personnel data
- Recruitment & onboarding
- Payroll
- Attendance management
- Employee relations support
- Compliance & policy support
The successful candidate must be adaptable and proactive, with a solution‑focused approach. A good sense of humour and resilience is essential. You must have excellent attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential matters sensitively. The ability to develop positive relationships across the school is key to success in this role. This is a mid‑level position, therefore in order to seamlessly adapt to the demands of this position, you must have previous experience of working in a similar position. You will be a key member of our school communities, including the wider HR Team who are distributed across other schools within the Trust. This is a great opportunity to contribute ideas, grow your skills and be part of a forward‑thinking department. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact and develop your HR career, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join The Dean Trust?
The Dean Trust is an educational charity established in April 2012, that currently comprises of 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. You'll join a collaborative team dedicated to delivering excellent outcomes for our schools, staff and students.
For more information and to apply for this vacancy, please visit our recruitment page careers.thedeantrust.co.uk.
Contact: 0161 973 1179 or email katiehurst@thedeantrust.co.uk
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.
Application Closing Date - Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 9.00 am
HR Assistant in Manchester employer: Trafford Council
At Dean Trust Ardwick, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and wellbeing of our staff. Our supportive and collaborative work culture fosters professional development, allowing HR professionals to thrive in a dynamic educational environment. With flexible working patterns and a commitment to inclusion and diversity, joining our team means making a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Assistant in Manchester
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Trafford Council and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Trafford Council. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Trafford Council, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Trafford Council uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Trafford Council.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Trafford Council.
