People Officer: HR Generalist for Schools

North East Combined Authority; Seaham; Remote; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Lights Learning Trust is seeking a People Officer to join the central team at Seaham Central Offices. You will work with the Head of People to deliver a proactive human resources service across the trust’s schools and central team.

The role requires CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience, plus hands-on HR experience, including recruitment, HR processes, payroll coordination, and strong data systems skills.

Qualifications

• Generalist people/HR experience.
• Experience in recruitment.
• Robust knowledge of people/HR processes.
• Excellent systems and data handling with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time to deadlines.
• Interest in supporting the implementation of new systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide an efficient, effective and proactive people service to all schools within the trust and central team.
• Support Headteachers and senior leaders on recruitment, contractual changes and people policies.
• Coordinate payroll function through a third‑party provider.
• Attend formal meetings as note taker when required.

Skills

HR generalist experience

Recruitment

HR processes

Systems & data

Attention to detail

Time management

New systems adoption

Education

CIPD Level 3

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Northern Lights Learning Trust is seeking a People Officer to join the central team at Seaham Central Offices. You will work with the Head of People to deliver a proactive human resources service across the trust’s schools and central team.

The role requires CIPD Level 3 or equivalent experience, plus hands-on HR experience, including recruitment, HR processes, payroll coordination, and strong data systems skills.