Head of People and Culture
Location: Reading with some travel in Berkshire / Oxfordshire
Salary: £75,000-£83,000
About the Client
A dynamic education organisation with plans in place to further to add to their portfolio of schools are seeking to appoint a Head of People and Culture, a true people partner who will work with the leadership team, keen to drive change and ensure that the people function has processes and procedures in place to support the people within the organisation fully.
About the Job
Are you a proactive and passionate HR professional with a proven track record of delivering outstanding service?
This is a fantastic opportunity to take the lead as the face of HR for a growing Multi-Academy Trust.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will drive the people strategy, ensuring a thriving organisational culture and creating a sense of unity and purpose across all academies. T
his pivotal role will enable you to shape HR practices, focus on service delivery, and champion professional development across the Trust. You will thrive in this role if you are happy to travel between sites, enjoy building strong team cultures, and are committed to making a meaningful impact.
Duties will include:
- Leading the development and implementation of a people strategy that aligns with its vision, values, and growth plans.
- Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a truly collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Acting as the face of HR, building relationships across all academies and fostering a strong team culture.
- Driving workforce planning, leadership development, and organisational change through data-informed strategies.
- Overseeing all aspects of HR service delivery, including recruitment, employee engagement, and performance management.
- Ensuring compliance with employment law, safeguarding policies, and Trust-wide procedures.
- Providing expert advice and support to senior leaders and managers on employment relations and HR matters.
- Promoting the use of technology, data, and analytics to optimise HR practices and enhance organisational performance.
About the Successful Applicant
- You will be a passionate and proactive HR leader, with a proven ability to influence and inspire at all levels of an organisation.
- Following the rapid growth of the trust there is a lot to do. Whilst strategy is very much on the agenda you will need to be a hands on person, able to support and mentor the team to ensure the right structure is in place moving forwards.
- You will bring strong knowledge of employment law, best practices, and diversity and inclusion strategies.
- Service-focused, a confident communicator, and able to build and nurture a positive team culture.
- CIPD Level 7 or equivalent
What You Will Receive in Return
This organisation is committed to its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values well-being, collaboration, and development. Benefits include:
- Additional ‘ME days’ to support personal commitments, such as family events.
- Access to a wide range of CPD opportunities at all levels to support career growth.
- Free flu vaccinations and eye tests for eligible staff.
- Regularly provided breakfasts and lunches, including on INSET days and as a thank-you gesture.
You will join an organisation that takes pride in cultivating a strong, supportive team culture and enabling employees to make a real impact. If you are a hands on HR professional with a background of providing both day to day support and ensuring that service delivery is at the fore front of what you do then please send your CV to caterina.glenn@wademacdonald.com