Deputy HR Director

Cabot Learning Federation; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 69,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

An inclusive educational organization in Bristol seeks a Deputy HR Director to lead strategic initiatives in employee relations and learning & development. The role emphasizes building collaborative relationships and fostering an inclusive work culture. Applicants should have significant leadership experience and a passion for developing people. Flexible working arrangements are available.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Health and well-being benefits

Generous annual leave

Family leave options

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of people strategy and employee relations.
• Proven ability to influence and inspire at all levels.
• Experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.
• Lead a team managing complex employee relations cases.
• Drive learning and development strategy.

Skills

People strategy

Employee relations

Organisational development

Leadership experience

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant HR or Business degree

Job description

DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation

Job Title: Deputy HR Director

Actual Annual Salary: £69,595 - £76,771

Full Time Equivalent Salary: £69,595 - £76,771 (CLF Leadership Pay Scale L13 - L17).

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, All year-round. Whilst full time working is our preference if you are interested in applying and require some flexibility please get in touch to discuss.

Provisional Start Date: 3 November 2025

Location:This is a Hybrid role, and the main HR is office is based at King’s Oak Academy, Bristol. Building relationships with the HR Team and Senior Leaders across the Trust will be vital to success and therefore we would envisage for an initial period, you will need to have face to face presence as much as possible. Over time you might expect to work 1-2 days from home.

About the Role:

Are you ready to shape the future of work in a purpose-driven organisation? We’re looking for a dynamic and visionaryDeputy HR Directorto join our HR leadership team and help us create a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing culture across our Federation. Reporting directly to the HR Director, you’ll lead ourEmployee RelationsandLearning & Developmentteam, driving forward strategic priorities and championing a safe, fair, and empowering workplace for all.

You’ll be at the heart of shaping and delivering our people experience work—ensuring every colleague can grow, contribute, and thrive. You’ll be joining at an exciting time as we move into year 4 of our organisational strategy, where the people plan is our focus. We are looking for somebody who thrives on solving complex challenges and driving meaningful change. In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert for navigating sensitive employee relations, leading strategic workforce initiatives, and shaping a culture where people can do their best work.

This is a high-impact role where you’ll:

Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and executive teams.

Lead a team of Managers and Advisers on managing complex ER cases, TUPE processes, and Management of Change.

Drive forward our learning and development strategy to unlock potential at every level.

Build strong relationships with trade unions, regulatory bodies, and external partners.

Use data and insight to shape workforce planning and organisational development.

Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

A deep understanding of people strategy, employee relations, and organisational development.

Proven leadership experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

A passion for creating inclusive, values-led workplaces.

The ability to influence, coach, and inspire at all levels.

A sharp analytical mind and a solutions focused approach.

The confidence to tackle tough issues with clarity and compassion.

The ability to turn data into insight and insight into action.

A track record of delivering results in high-pressure situations.

Why Join Us?

At our Federation, we don’t just talk about purpose—we live it. You’ll be part of a team that’s committed to making a difference in the lives of our colleagues, pupils, and communities. We offer:

A supportive and forward-thinking HR team.

Opportunities to lead meaningful change and have significant impact.

A culture that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role to find out more please email Rachel Mylrea (HR Director) at Rachel.Mylrea @clf.uk to arrange a time directly. Alternatively, you can arrange to talk to the current postholder Kate Winsor (Deputy HR Director) at Kate.Winsor @clf.uk

Why work at CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you:

Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Generous annual leave.

A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.

Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.

Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.

A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.

Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!

Recruitment timeline:

•Closing Date: 25 August 2025 @11.59pm

• Short-listing: 26 August 2025

• Interviews: 9 September 2025

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

Safeguarding Statement

The Cabot Learning Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice, with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role, we expect all staff, visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive pre-employment checking process, including an enhanced DBS check (including a further check against the appropriate barred list), references from current and previous employers, health, right to work in the UK, child disqualification, prohibition from teaching/management and online checks. You must also tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.