At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a progressive, inclusive people function across schools.
- Company: Established education trust focused on developing young people's potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 29 days leave, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join at a pivotal growth point with excellent career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape an inclusive culture and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 76232 - 76232 £ per year.
Director of People & Culture Norwich | Full-time | £76,232 p. a. plus benefits An established education trust is seeking an exceptional Director of People & Culture to lead the development of a progressive, inclusive and high-performing people function across its family of schools.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and based in offices on the outskirts of Norwich, this newly created Leadership Team role offers the opportunity to shape the culture, capability and employee experience of an organisation committed to the development and education of young people.
The opportunity This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious non-profit education organisation at a pivotal point in its growth.
You will design and lead the People and Culture function, ensuring that the organisation has the policies, systems, insight and leadership support needed to recruit, retain and develop brilliant people from all backgrounds.
You will champion an outstanding employee experience, lead work on diversity, inclusion and engagement, and support leaders and managers to build diverse, high-performing teams.
Working closely with the Board, Chief Executive, Executive Team, trustees, school governors, Head Teachers and other Trust leaders, you will play a central role in shaping an inclusive culture where colleagues feel supported to do the best work of their careers.
Benefits Salary at scale point 51: £76,232 p. a. for 2026/27, with opportunity for performance-related pay progression. 29 days' annual leave.
Local Government pension scheme.
Investment in professional development and learning.
Flexible working hours, aligned to business needs and supportive of care or other commitments.
Cycle-to-work scheme.
Key priorities Build and lead a modern People and Culture function, supported by effective HR systems, suppliers, processes and data.
Develop and implement people strategies that support organisational growth, wellbeing, performance and inclusion.
Lead organisation design and talent management, working with senior leaders to attract and develop brilliant people, and support Head Teachers and senior leaders to ensure organisational structures meet the needs of the Trust's educational and financial strategies.
Embed diversity, equity and inclusion across policies, processes, recruitment, engagement and everyday practice.
Create learning, development, leadership and management programmes that help colleagues grow professionally and personally.
Advise the Board and Executive Team on employment legislation, HR policy and compliance, ensuring appropriate employment policies and practices are in place and adhered to.
Lead reward strategy and implementation, working with the Remuneration Committee to ensure a competitive and values-led approach.
Lead annual and quarterly people planning and prioritisation, ensuring resources and budgets are aligned to agreed priorities.
Manage and develop the HR team, providing clarity, support and direction so they can deliver excellent service to schools and colleagues.
About you You will be an experienced senior people leader, ideally operating at Director of People and Culture level or equivalent, with a strong track record of building people strategies, policies, systems and teams.
You will bring deep HR expertise across employee relations, recruitment, restructuring, organisational design, talent development, culture, reward and compliance.
You will be confident advising Boards, executives and senior leaders, and will combine sound judgement with a collaborative, values-led approach.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential, alongside experience of creating inclusive working environments and supporting organisations to recruit and develop diverse teams.
You will be CIPD Level 7 qualified or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience.
Experience of developing or commissioning online learning and development programmes, or management development training programmes, would be an advantage.
How to apply If you are a strategic, inclusive and people-centred leader who wants to make a lasting contribution to education, culture and organisational growth, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Closing date is midnight on Sunday 6 th September 2026.
Please include your location on your CV - if you are considering your commute or relocation, it is always helpful to understand this on your application.
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Director of HR employer: Waddington Brown
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation in Harwich, where you will play a pivotal role as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside competitive benefits including bonus potential. Experience the unique advantage of being at the heart of executive leadership, contributing to impactful decision-making in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of HR
✨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 Waddington Brown!
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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 Waddington Brown.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of HR
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 Waddington Brown. 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 Waddington Brown 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 Waddington Brown. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Waddington Brown'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 Waddington Brown
✨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 Waddington Brown.
✨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 Waddington Brown 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 Waddington Brown and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
