What skills and experience we're looking for Job title: HR Manager Location: Barnsley and Sheffield Starting salary: £56,760 gross per annum Contract: Full-time, permanent, 37.5 hours per week, 52-week contract Start date: As soon as possible This is primarily an office-based role however, a hybrid working arrangement may be occasionally available, dependent on business need. We are looking for a candidate with expert-level knowledge and significant experience in HR to manage and oversee Human Resources across the Yorkshire Cluster of United Learning. The Cluster comprises of four secondary academies in Barnsley and Sheffield – Barnsley Academy, Fir Vale Academy, Sheffield Park Academy and Sheffield Springs Academy. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who is ready to make their mark. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in bringing structure, consistency and high‑quality practice to a developing HR team. You will have full line management responsibility for the HR colleagues across the academies and be supported, coached and mentored by a Central Office HR Business Partner. You will work closely with our academy Principals; highly engaged, supportive stakeholders who value strong HR practice, as well as your direct manager, the Executive Business Manager, who provides clear direction and strong leadership. Together, you will have the scope to shape the service, influence culture and drive meaningful improvements across the Cluster. We are looking for a highly motivated, organised and detail‑oriented individual who thrives in a role where they can truly make a difference. If you are passionate about creating positive change, developing people, and enhancing outcomes for our academies and local communities, this role offers both challenge and enormous reward. You will be joining a supportive, collaborative and forward‑thinking employer that will equip you with the guidance and autonomy needed to succeed. We will offer you: • Highly competitive pay above national average. • 26 days annual leave plus 8 statutory bank holidays per annum. • An additional day’s paid leave awarded per annum (in addition to annual leave). • Excellent facilities and resources. • Access to an outstanding professional development programme. • A respectful working environment. • Supportive, friendly colleagues who are committed to each other’s professional development. • A chance to become part of United Learning, one of the largest groups of academies in the country who thrive on ‘continuous improvement’ • Opportunities to work collaboratively and regularly network with colleagues in each academy across the Cluster and United Learning. • Excellent employee benefits which include a highly sought-after pension scheme with high employer contributions. • Access to training through the Apprenticeship Levy. • A fantastic employee benefits platform which includes a Health Cash Plan. • Free on-site parking. • Access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). • We encourage open and regular conversations about work-life balance. As part of United Learning our mission is to bring out ‘the Best in Everyone,’ ensuring that both students and staff are given every opportunity to achieve their full potential and thrive with our support. United Learning is one of the largest and most successful Trusts in the UK, offering unparalleled opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training. We also provide access to extensive nationwide networking and collaboration, allowing you to grow within a community of professionals committed to excellence. We are looking for: • An experienced line manager with excellent communication and team building skills who enjoys nurturing talent and guiding a team to reach its full potential • A reliable, highly motivated and self-driven professional with the drive to spot challenges early and take ownership in shaping well‑considered solutions • The ability and confidence to coach and mentor managers, building their confidence and supporting them to take ownership of HR processes. • A professional with validated HR management experience, excellent knowledge of best practice and a strong understanding of Employment Law. • Experience of managing HR in a multi-establishment organisation or relatable experience would be beneficial but not essential. • The ability to deliver clear, accessible HR training to managers, building their knowledge and strengthening consistency across the academies. • Report writing and presenting to a variety of audiences. • Highly competent in IT and written communication, with the capability to create well‑structured, precise correspondence and reports. • Familiarity with the importance of a compliant Single Central Record is an advantage however, full guidance and training will be available for the right candidate. • Ability to effectively contribute to the review and development of policies and procedures. • You must have strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, high standards and the ability to manage conflicting demands. • Ability to adapt to changing and diverse workload with autonomy and resilience. • Demonstrate a positive, proactive and professional approach at all times. Please see the job description and person specification for further detail. To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of the advert on our website using the following link to our vacancies page: Sheffield Park Academy Vacancies and complete our online application form. Please note that CVs are not accepted. The closing date for this post is midnight on the 08 March 2026. Interviews will take place soon after. If you would like to discuss this exciting opportunity, please contact recruitment@unitedlearningyorks.org.uk United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employees will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to a comprehensive checking process including references from current and previous employers, health, Right to Work in the UK, an Enhanced DBS check and a further check against the appropriate barred list. What the school offers its staff We will offer you: • Highly competitive pay above national average. • 26 days annual leave plus 8 statutory bank holidays per annum. • An additional day’s paid leave awarded per annum (in addition to annual leave). • Excellent facilities and resources. • Access to an outstanding professional development programme. • A respectful working environment. • Supportive, friendly colleagues who are committed to each other’s professional development. • A chance to become part of United Learning, one of the largest groups of academies in the country who thrive on ‘continuous improvement’ • Opportunities to work collaboratively and regularly network with colleagues in each academy across the Cluster and United Learning. • Excellent employee benefits which include a highly sought-after pension scheme with high employer contributions. • Access to training through the Apprenticeship Levy. • A fantastic employee benefits platform which includes a Health Cash Plan. • Free on-site parking. • Access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). We encourage open and regular conversations about work-life balance Commitment to safeguarding United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employees will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to a comprehensive checking process including references from current and previous employers, health, Right to Work in the UK, an Enhanced DBS check and a further check against the appropriate barred list.