Strategic Lead for Human Resources

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

SANZA Teaching Agency has been engaged by a trusted Primary School Federation in Hackney to appoint a Strategic Lead for Human Resources in a temp-to-perm, full-time capacity.

You will lead HR strategy and day-to-day operations, advising Headteachers and Executives while driving staff wellbeing, culture, and talent retention.

Qualifications

• Significant experience operating at a senior or director level within a complex HR environment.
• Prior experience in the education sector (Schools, Academies, or Trusts) is highly advantageous.
• Empathetic, clear communicator capable of building relationships with diverse school leadership teams.
• CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 (or equivalent) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and deliver the federation's HR strategy.
• Employee Relations: Advise senior leaders on complex ER cases, policy interpretation, and employment law.
• Team Management: Line-manage four Senior Administrative Officers across the federation.
• Talent & Recruitment: Oversee recruitment strategies, onboarding, and retention frameworks.
• Compliance & Policy: Ensure safer recruitment practices and up-to-date policies.

Skills

HR Leadership

Employee Relations

Team Management

Talent & Recruitment

Compliance & Policy

Communication Skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 or Level 7

Job description

Strategic Lead for Human Resources (Temp-to-Perm) for a Primary Federation of Schools

Location: Hackney, London (On-site / School-based)

Permanent Salary: £54,000 - £56,000 per annum / Temporary Daily Rate: £250 - £260 per day (commensurate with permanent salary)

Temporary to Permanent (Full-Time) Sector: Education (Primary Federation)

About the Role

Are you a forward-thinking HR leader looking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector? SANZA Teaching Agency has been exclusively tasked by a highly regarded, forward-thinking Primary School Federation in Hackney to find their new Strategic Lead for Human Resources. This is a unique temp-to-perm opportunity, offering an immediate start for the right candidate to lead both the strategic vision and the day-to-day operational excellence of the federation's HR function. You will act as a trusted advisor to Executive Headteachers and Headteachers, driving initiatives that strengthen school culture, support staff wellbeing, and retain top talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and deliver the federation's HR strategy, aligning it with the overarching educational goals.
• Employee Relations: Provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex ER cases, policy interpretation, and employment law.
• Team Management: Directly line-manage a dedicated team of four Senior Administrative Officers across the federation.
• Talent & Recruitment: Oversee robust recruitment strategies, onboarding, and talent retention frameworks.
• Compliance & Policy: Ensure strict compliance with safer recruitment practices, keeping policies up-to-date with changing legislation.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven HR Leadership: Significant experience operating at a senior or director level within a complex HR environment.
• Sector Experience: Prior experience in the education sector (Schools, Academies, or Trusts) is highly advantageous, though corporate HR leaders with transferable skills are encouraged to apply.
• Communication Skills: An empathetic, clear communicator capable of building strong relationships with diverse school leadership teams.
• Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 (or equivalent experience) is preferred.