Head of People

The Academy; Seaham; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Lights Learning Trust seeks a Head of People to lead the people service from its Seaham offices. You will advise leaders on workforce planning, employee relations, organisational development, wellbeing and compliance, acting as a trusted partner across the academy trust.

The ideal candidate will hold CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) or have significant senior HR experience, with a proven ability to coach teams and manage complex employee relations, including engagement with trade unions.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent) or significant senior HR experience.
• Experience as a senior people advisor or business partner.
• Experience leading and coaching HR colleagues.
• Experience managing complex employee relations cases and working with trade unions.
• Based at Seaham, permanent role with a 37-hour week.

Responsibilities

• Lead the people service across the Trust.
• Advise leaders on workforce planning and organisational development.
• Oversee employee relations, wellbeing and compliance initiatives.
• Collaborate with trade unions to support school outcomes.

Skills

Senior people advisory

HR business partnering

Line-management coaching

Employee relations

Union relations

People leadership

Education

CIPD Level 7

Senior HR experience

Job description

Head of People

Job Summary

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full time

Advert Start Date: 07/10/2026

Advert End Date: 29/10/2026 13:00

Salary: SL5 - SL9 (£55,504 - £61,268)

Job Category: HR / Training

Vacancy ID: 303221

Employment Location: Seaham

Closing date: 29 Oct

Further Information

Permanent position required as soon as possible Based At Seaham Central Offices

Trust Support Leadership Scale point 5 - 9 (£55,504 - £61,268)

37 hours per week, all year round

Northern Lights Learning Trust are seeking to appoint to this newly created role of Head of People. You will lead the people service in a friendly, supportive and forward-thinking Academy Trust. The role will be based at the Trust Central Offices in Seaham.

We are looking for an experienced professional as you will operate as a senior people professional within the Trust. You will act as a trusted adviser to leaders, providing advice and expertise in workforce planning, employee relations, organisational development, wellbeing, and compliance.

The ideal candidate will hold a CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent), or significant experience at a senior HR professional level.

Do you…

• Have proven experience in a senior people advisory or business partnering role
• Have experience of leading and line-managing or coaching people colleagues.
• Have experience managing complex employee relations cases through to successful resolution.
• Have experience of working with trade unions
• Have a passion for people and are driven to deliver excellence in the service provided to schools and colleagues