Chief People Officer (HR Manager / Head of HR)

Your new company A multi-academy trust in north-east Surrey is looking for a skilled and dedicated Chief People Officer to join its central team. The trust oversees academies that educate children across two campuses, supported by over 200 staff members. It provides essential corporate services, including HR and Finance, to ensure smooth operations. In this role, you will lead the HR department, managing a team of four, and provide strategic HR support to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Devise and implement a comprehensive 'people strategy' to recruit and retain a highly skilled and diverse workforce, and ensure an L&D programme is in place. Lead a culture of inclusion, celebrating employee contributions and demonstrating the Trust's values in action.
• HR Administration: Ensure timely reporting on HR matters, keep senior leaders informed of legislative changes, and maintain accurate staffing records, including the Trust's Single Central Record.
• Recruitment and Retention: Enhance recruitment processes, manage vacancies, and support effective induction programs for new staff.
• Attendance Management: Monitor staff attendance, advise on matters of ill-health, and manage staff through the Absence Management Policy.
• Employment Relations: Implement capability and disciplinary processes, ensuring fairness and consistency.
• Performance Management: Support line managers in identifying training needs and promoting continuous professional development.
  What you'll need to succeed
• Significant experience in HR with a proven understanding of HR principles and practice, most likely gained within a school or education setting. CIPD level 5 or above is highly desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge of HR policies and employee relations, with a proven ability to work with discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, to effectively manage and develop constructive relationships with key stakeholders, colleagues and leaders at all levels.
• Organised and flexible in approach, with excellent attention to detail, able to work under pressure to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Experienced in setting up systems and procedures, including a proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR systems. Experience in Every HR (IRIS) and/or SIMS would be highly desirable but not essential.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

What you'll get in return
This is an ideal position for an experienced HR professional who is ready to step into a role as the most senior HR professional in an organisation, or a more experienced HR leader who is passionate about the education sector and is seeking a new challenge where they can make a difference.

This is a permanent position offering a salary of £64,000 to 70,000 (depending on experience) and a benefits package including 26 days leave (rising to 30) in addition to bank holidays, and enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme. Please note this role is predominantly office based with free onsite parking. Flexible working patterns could be considered. Flexible working options would be considered.

What you need to do now
If you are a proactive, strategic and operational HR leader with a passion for education, we would love to hear from you. If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or contact at Hays Exec HR to discuss.

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