Trust HR Manager

Essex Local Nature Partnership; Elmstead Market, Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust is seeking a Trust HR Manager to oversee HR functions across multiple schools. The role requires strategic leadership, operational oversight, and a focus on compliance and safeguarding. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders to foster a positive workplace culture and ensure effective HR practices. This position offers flexibility and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Access to employee wellbeing programs

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic HR leadership and operational HR oversight.
• Knowledge of compliance and safeguarding standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategy aligned with Trust objectives.
• Provide expert advice on complex HR issues.
• Lead recruitment and talent acquisition efforts.

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership

Operational HR Oversight

Compliance & Safeguarding

Recruitment & Retention

HR Systems & Data

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 20/06/2025 Midday Date of Interviews: WC 23 June 2025

LIAISON WITH: Headteachers/ Heads of School/College, Teaching Staff, Support Staff, Trustees, Governors, Local Authority, DFE, other schools

WORKING HOURS: 37 Hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year / Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm (30 mins for lunch) / Friday 9am to 4.30pm (30 mins for lunch) / Some flexibility will be required

JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - travelling between the sites will be required

About Us

Hope Learning Community is a successful and forward-thinking Multi-Academy Special Needs Trust comprising of four schools and two colleges across mid and north Essex.

At Hope, we are committed to going the extra mile and making that difference to our pupils and their families. We have the drive, passion, determination and influence, and we are committed to delivering high-quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment for our pupils and staff.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced, strategic, and people-focused Trust HR Manager to lead and develop our HR function across the Trust. This is a pivotal role that ensures consistent HR practice, legal compliance, and the fostering of a positive and high-performance culture across all schools.

Purpose of the Role

The Trust HR Manager is responsible for the effective delivery of HR strategy, policy, and practice across the Trust. This includes leading on employee relations, recruitment and retention, safeguarding compliance (including the Single Central Record), workforce planning, and HR data management.

The postholder will work with senior leaders, headteachers, and line managers to ensure high-quality, compliant, and consistent HR support and act as a trusted advisor on all people matters.

Key Responsibilities/Job Description

Strategic HR Leadership

Develop and implement the Trust's HR strategy in alignment with strategic objectives and growth plans.
Advise the Executive Team and Headteachers on workforce planning, succession planning, and organisational design.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and high performance.

Operational HR Oversight

Provide expert advice and support on complex HR issues, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management cases.
Ensure fair and legally compliant application of HR policies and procedures across all schools.
Support change management initiatives, including TUPE transfers, restructures, and policy roll-outs.

Compliance & Safeguarding

Oversee the Trust's compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding standards, GDPR, and safer recruitment practices.
Ensure all schools maintain accurate and up-to-date Single Central Records and that recruitment practices align with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE).
Manage the Trust's response to HR audits and inspections, including Ofsted and DfE reviews.

Recruitment & Retention

Lead the Trust's approach to recruitment and talent acquisition, ensuring consistency, branding, and safer recruitment standards.
Develop and implement staff retention and wellbeing strategies.
Analyse and report on recruitment trends and staffing challenges across the Trust.

HR Systems & Data

Maintain and enhance HR information systems and ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting.
Produce workforce data and KPIs for senior leaders, trustees, and external reporting requirements (e.g., DfE returns, gender pay gap).
Identify trends and use data to inform decision-making and workforce planning.

What We Offer

• A central role in shaping the future of the Trust's people strategy.
• Supportive senior leadership and governance team.
• Continuous professional development and access to networking across the education sector.
• Access to employee wellbeing and support programmes.
• Flexible working arrangements considered.

Interviews: Wednesday 25th June 2025

For more information and to discuss the role further, please contact Chloe Jennings [e-mail]

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Gary Smith
Market Field School, School Road
Elmstead Market, Colchester
Essex, CO7 7ET Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]