People and Development Manager
Salary: A GBP 50,000 to A GBP 55,000 plus pension and benefits
Location: York (Hybrid working available) : must live within a commutable distance
Full time
Closing date 12 th June 2026
Why Join Us?
* 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday and Christmas closure
* Excellent pension scheme with 14.5 employer contribution
* Flexible and hybrid working
* Up to 3 paid volunteering days per year
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Health cash plans, cycle:to:work scheme and a range of additional staff benefits
Join STEM Learning and help shape a high:performing culture.
At STEM Learning, we believe great people create great impact. As the UKs largest provider of STEM education and careers support, we work with schools, colleges, employers, government and partners to inspire young people, support educators and build the skilled workforce of the future.
We are looking for an experienced and proactive People and Development Manager to lead our people strategy, drive organisational development and champion a culture where colleagues can thrive.
Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the CEO and Senior Management Team, this is a key leadership role with the opportunity to influence culture, raise standards, develop leadership capability and help shape the future direction of the organisation.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands:on delivery. Youll lead our HR function, manage a small HR team and act as a trusted advisor across the business, ensuring our people practices reflect best practice while supporting organisational growth and change.
The Role
Strategy and People Leadership
* Develop and deliver a People and Culture strategy aligned to STEM Learnings vision and values.
* Partner with the Senior Management Team on workforce planning, talent development and organisational effectiveness.
* Drive improvements to systems, processes, policies and people practices.
* Strengthen our employee value proposition, helping to attract, retain and develop talented colleagues.
Performance, Learning and Development
* Lead the development of a learning and development framework that supports continuous growth.
* Improve performance management processes, including objectives, feedback and appraisal cycles.
* Design and deliver leadership and management development initiatives.
* Embed a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement.
Culture, Engagement and Wellbeing
* Promote a positive, inclusive and high:performing culture.
* Lead employee engagement, wellbeing and feedback initiatives.
* Support managers through coaching, guidance and best:practice people management.
* Champion inclusion, collaboration and effective communication across the organisation.
Governance, Compliance and Operations
* Lead the HR function and manage a small team of experienced HR Assistants.
* Ensure compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and HR best practice.
* Oversee employee relations matters, policies, procedures and HR systems.
* Use people data and insight to inform decision:making and continuous improvement.
* Support payroll, pensions and benefits administration in partnership with the finance team.
Recruitment and Onboarding
* Lead and continuously improve recruitment and onboarding processes.
* Support succession planning and future workforce capability.
* Ensure a positive and inclusive candidate experience.
Our ideal candidate
Were looking for someone with the energy, credibility and leadership skills to influence change and drive improvements across the organisation.
Skills required:
* Significant experience in HR, People or Organisational Development leadership roles.
* CIPD Level 5 qualification (or above), or equivalent experience.
* Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
* Experience developing people strategies, leadership capability and organisationa