Head of HR Operations

United Learning Trust; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

United Learning is seeking an ambitious Head of HR Operations to lead the Central Office HR team and shape the future of HR across the country’s largest education group. Based in Peterborough (c.2 days a week), you’ll operate nationally, supporting 120 schools and 13,000+ employees.

You’ll influence strategy, drive excellence and embed high standards across the organisation. You’ll need strategic thinking, decisive leadership and empowering management style to deliver operationally.

Qualifications

• Experience leading HR operations in a large multi-site organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking and influencing skills.
• Experience in education sector is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Central Office HR operations across the group.
• Collaborate with Headteachers and senior leaders to shape HR strategy.
• Drive continuous improvement and change readiness across 120 schools.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

People management

Change management

Job description

120 schools. 13,000+ employees. One big opportunity to make your mark.

United Learning is looking for an ambitious and inspiring Head of HR Operations to lead our Central Office HR team and help shape the future of HR across the country’s largest education group.

This newly created role, reporting to the Director of HR, offers real breadth and impact. Based in Peterborough (c.2 days a week), you’ll operate nationally, supporting 120 schools and more than 13,000 employees across United Learning. You’ll lead the Central Office HR team and play a key role in shaping our HR operations, while working closely with Headteachers, senior leaders and HR colleagues across the Group to challenge thinking and ensure we are always ready to embrace change and growth.

This is a genuine opportunity to lead a good service on the journey to exceptional.

We’re looking for someone who can think strategically, influence confidently and deliver operationally — a leader who continually asks how we can make things better. You’ll be a people-focused HR professional who builds trust, inspires others to give their absolute best and embeds excellence at all levels.

An understanding of education would be advantageous, but above all we’re looking for someone with impeccable judgement, high standards and the confidence and insight to navigate complexity in a changing environment. Crucially, you’ll share our moral purpose: creating the conditions for brilliant people to do brilliant work, so that together we can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people.

In return, you’ll join a dynamic organisation with talented colleagues, an excellent induction and ongoing support, and the scale and ambition to turn your ideas into impact.

Ready to shape the next chapter?