HR & People Manager

Pontefract Academies Trust; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading educational trust as an HR and People Manager. This pivotal role involves managing a team and working closely with senior leaders to enhance HR functions. Ideal for a Senior HR Advisor ready for the next step in their career, offering a supportive environment and numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous employer pension

Generous annual leave entitlement

Family friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Free eyecare via Specsavers

Employee wellbeing programme

Free flu vaccinations

Qualifications

• Strong HR generalist background ideally in education or a similarly complex setting.
• Proven experience in advising on and leading people matters at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a small team within the People Function.
• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leaders.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Solutions Focused

Confidence

Education

CIPD Level 5

CIPD Level 7

Job description

We are looking for a confident, collaborative and forward-thinking HR and People Manager to join our growing People Team Function at a pivotal time in our journey.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior HR Advisor ready to take the next step in their career.You’ll work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leaders, while also managing and developing a small team within the People Function.

What we’re looking for:

• Strong HR generalist background ideally in education or a similarly complex setting
• Proven experience in advising on and leading people matters at a senior level
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across all levels
• A proactive, solutions focused approach with the confidence to influence and lead
• CIPD Level 5 (essential) CIPD Level 7 (desirable)

We are confident that new staff joining our Trust will feel welcome and happy to have chosen us from day one.

This is a 37 hours per week, all year round, permanent contract.

For more information regarding this role, please see the attached candidate pack.

About Pontefract Academies Trust

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve.

The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Our primary outcomes at Key Stage 2 now sit 27% above the national average, with five out of the seven in the top 5% in the country for combined outcomes. Two of our primary schools – De Lacy and Carleton Park – were recognised as Outstanding across all areas in their 2024 Ofsted inspections.

Our secondary schools Key Stage 4 results for English, Maths and Science are well above national average and both schools had successful visits from Ofsted in 2024 and 2022.

What can we offer you?

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework, including goals that are personal and flexible and professional development days to self-reflect and invest in personal development to aid staff engagement, boost wellbeing and enhance employee skills
• Generous employer pension- West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS)
• Generous annual leave entitlement (starting from 26 days annual leave, up to a maximum of 33 days dependent on length of service and grade of role – plus 8 statutory bank holidays)
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Blue Light card
• Discounted gym membership
• Free eyecare via Specsavers
• Childcare vouchers
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
• Free flu vaccinations.

We are hosting a virtual coffee morning for prospective candidates to meet some of our team and ask any questions you may have about the role or our Trust. To book a timeslot, please click here.

If you are unable to make these dates but would still like a discussion regarding this role, please contact Pam Hewitt, Chief Operating Officer, via email at [e-mail].

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Monday 2nd June 2025
• Interviews to be held Monday 9th June 2025

Application Process

• Complete an application form in SamPeople Recruit via our website

Important Links

• Pontefract Academies Trust Website
• Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028

Further Information

• Contact: 01977 232146 or recruitment@.patrust.org.uk

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.