Head of Human Resources

St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust; Bury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Governing Body support

Generous Local Government Pension

Professional Development

Positive, inclusive working culture

Job summary

St Teresa of Calcutta Academy Trust Central Team is seeking a Head of Human Resources to drive strategic HR direction across a family of schools. The role will shape workforce planning, policy, and safeguarding compliance while partnering with senior leaders to build a supportive, high-performing culture.

The successful candidate will lead HR operations, champion Safer Recruitment, and influence board decisions to ensure exceptional education staffing and safeguarding standards across theTrust.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in HR within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and safeguarding requirements.
• Ability to influence at Board level and manage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a Trust-wide HR strategy aligned to educational priorities.
• Champion Safer Recruitment and safeguarding compliance across all schools.
• Advise senior leaders on workforce planning, talent management and organisational change.
• Oversee HR operations including recruitment and selection, onboarding and induction, performance management, employer relations and sickness absence.
• Promote staff wellbeing and engagement initiatives to create a positive and inclusive working environment.

Skills

Senior HR leadership

Employment law

Safeguarding knowledge

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification

Chartered membership

Job description

St Teresa of Calcutta Academy Trust Central Team are currently seeking a Head of Human Resources. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at the beginning of a journey of transition, development, and growth within the multi-academy trust.

The Head of HR will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our workforce across a family of schools committed to excellence in education.

The Head of HR will provide strategic direction and operational oversight for all HR functions within the Trust and will have the opportunity to influence organisational culture, drive workforce planning, and ensure compliance with employment law and safeguarding standards.

Our Mission

Our Trust Mission is simple, it is to make Christ known, making lives better for our communities, our children and young people.

Our Values - One of Hope

Inspired by St Teresa of Calcutta, we are people of hope. We have a complete belief in the future we will build together. By offering our children, staff and schools' opportunities to grow and flourish, we make aspiration and ambition a reality. Our people, just like St Teresa are relentless and fiercely ambitious. We will always reach for that which seems to be just out of our grasp.

One of Courage

As modelled for us by St Teresa of Calcutta, we will have the courage to do what is right. As a community, we will not shy away from making decisions that ensure our communities thrive. We will be brave in our actions. As a truly Catholic organisation this courage will be most apparent in how we collectively support the most vulnerable.

One of Innovation

St Teresa of Calcutta changed the world. Together, we will always be pursuing new ideas and best practice in all areas of our work. We will prepare our children and young people for the world that awaits them. A world which they will shape and change.

We are looking for an individual who will

• Lead the development and delivery of a Trust-wide HR strategy aligned to educational priorities.
• Champion Safer Recruitment and safeguarding compliance across all schools.
• Advise senior leaders on workforce planning, talent management and organisational change.
• Oversee HR operations including recruitment and selection, onboarding and induction, performance management, employer relations and sickness absence.
• Promote staff wellbeing and engagement initiatives to create a positive and inclusive working environment.

We are looking for

• CIPD Level 7 qualification and Chartered membership.
• Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practice, and safeguarding requirements.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence at Board level, building strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in the education sector and familiarity with Teachers' Pay and Conditions.

We can offer

• A supportive and dedicated Local Governing Body and Staff.
• Highly effective safeguarding procedures.
• A working environment where all feel valued and respected.
• Supportive colleagues and governors with a clear vision and high aspirations for the school.
• A highly dedicated and inspirational team.
• A commitment to relevant, personalised Continuous Professional Development.
• A happy, calm and welcoming working environment.
• Opportunities to work within the wider STOCCAT team.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme employer contribution.
• Recognition of continuous Local Government service (where applicable).

The Trust is committed to welcoming individuals regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status or whether you are pregnant or on parental leave or from a socio-economic background. We welcome applicants from all communities and from people that identify with those characteristics.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1074 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check including Children's barred list check and satisfactory references, including your suitability to work with children. Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Applications will only be considered from individual applicants on our standard application form, and not via CV alone or agencies. An online search will be performed on all shortlisted applicants in accordance with the Trust's safeguarding procedures and Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a form for self-disclosure of cautions and convictions.

Shortlisting date: Thursday 19 November 2026

Interview date: Thursday 26 November 2026

Supporting Documents

Applicant Pack