Head of HR

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational trust is seeking a strategic and visionary Head of HR to lead its People and Culture agenda. This full-time role involves shaping the HR function and developing a forward-thinking People Strategy. Candidates should have proven experience in HR leadership and the ability to create a high-performing culture. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous leave policy and excellent pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years

Access to a pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Staff discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading HR functions in an educational or comparable environment.
• Strong understanding of HR policies and best practices.
• Ability to develop and implement a People Strategy aligned with organizational values.

Responsibilities

• Build and deliver a high impact People Strategy.
• Lead initiatives to attract, retain, and develop high-quality staff.
• Oversee HR policy governance and compliance.
• Provide strategic insight to inform key decisions.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Employee relations

HR policy compliance

Coaching

Job description

Closing date: 28 November 2025

About This Role

Learners’ Trust is an ambitious, dynamic multi-academy trust supporting schools across Sheffield and South Yorkshire. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we empower them with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to make real choices as they grow.

Our vision is built on collaboration, leadership, and equity: developing outstanding leaders, delivering excellent teaching, and ensuring every learner receives the support they need. Our culture values each school’s identity, teamwork across the Trust, and a relentless focus on ensuring no child or family is left behind.

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a strategic and visionary Head of HR to lead our People and Culture agenda across the Trust. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the HR function, develop a forward-thinking People Strategy, and ensure Learners’ Trust remains an employer of choice.

In this role, you will:

• Build and deliver a high impact People Strategy aligned with our vision and values.
• Lead initiatives to attract, retain, and develop high-quality staff.
• Drive a high performing, engaged, and inclusive culture across the Trust.
• Oversee HR policy, governance, employee relations, and compliance.Provide strategic insight to the CEO, COO, Trust Leaders, and Executive Board to inform key decisions.
• Lead, coach, and inspire the HR team to deliver excellent people services.

This is a senior role with real influence and impact, providing the chance to shape the future of our Trust and make a lasting difference for both staff and our learners.

What we can offer you in return:

• A welcoming, diverse and supportive community that values people and their contributions.
• Hybrid working arrangements, with a blended approach of office and home working.
• A generous benefits package including 25 days’ annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years’ continuous service plus statutory public holidays.
• Access to an excellent pension scheme.
• Access to a wide range of staff benefits such as health and wellbeing support and staff discounts at major retailers.
• Investment in your development, with opportunities to grow your career and make a meaningful impact.

Our trust is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive workplace and we welcome applications from all communities.

This is a full time, permanent position, working 37 hours per week.

As part of your application could you please complete and return the Values in Action attachment.

To learn more and apply for this post, please download our Recruitment pack here file: Head of HR - Recruitment Information Pack.pdf