Job Description
Head of HR – Milton Keynes
Salary: £60,637 – £64,413 FTE per annum
Head of HR Operations sought to lead and develop the people strategy within a forward-thinking multi-academy trust. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with senior leadership, trustees, and school teams.
The Opportunity
The role is to lead the strategic and operational delivery of the Trust’s HR function, ensuring alignment between workforce, culture, and organisational goals.
The successful candidate will shape and implement a people strategy that promotes excellence, wellbeing, and engagement, while delivering a comprehensive HR service across multiple academies.
This is a senior leadership role requiring strong strategic capability, excellent stakeholder management, and a people-first approach.
Responsibilities
* Lead the strategic development and delivery of the Trust’s HR function
* Shape and implement a people strategy aligned with organisational goals
* Drive recruitment, retention, and professional development initiatives
* Promote a positive, inclusive culture across the Trust
* Partner with senior leaders on workforce planning and performance management
* Manage employee relations and support organisational effectiveness
* Ensure compliance with employment law, safeguarding, and HR best practice
* Oversee HR policy development and implementation
* Manage HR operations including payroll, contracts, absence, and retention
* Provide reporting and insights to support decision-making
* Work collaboratively with executive leaders, principals, and staff
* Line manage HR Assistant and support team development
* Maintain a professional, approachable presence across the organisation
Requirements
* Minimum 5 years’ HR leadership experience, ideally within education or multi-site organisations
* Proven ability to deliver a proactive and high-quality HR service
* Strong strategic HR expertise with experience implementing policies and frameworks
* In-depth knowledge of employment law and safeguarding
* Experience leading organisational change and influencing culture
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
* Commitment to a people-first approach and continuous improvement
Industry
Education / Multi-Academy Trust
Employment Type
Full-time - Permanent
Job Functions
* Human Resources
* People Strategy
* Operations
Skills
* HR Strategy & Leadership
* Employee Relations
* Workforce Planning
* Policy Development & Compliance
* Organisational Development
* Stakeholder Management
Benefits
* Welcoming and positive working environment
* High-quality professional development including bespoke CPD
* Career progression opportunities across the Trust
* Free lunches
How to Apply
Please apply for this role online or contact Abbie Carr at Spirehouse Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency. We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all individuals.
abbie@spirehouse.co.uk