Head of Primary HR Services

Job Title: Head of Primary HR Services

Location: Hybrid with travel to our National Primary Academies 

We think big: lead the way in Opening Minds, Opening Doors! 

Are you looking for your next step as a senior leader in a trust that is going places? We are seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to join our HR team.  

Our HR team plays a crucial role to support our academies across England. You will be part of an exceptional support network that makes a difference to our children's’ educational experience – which is at the heart of everything we do.  

The Head of Primary HR Services is a newly established role at E-ACT, integral to our new operating model and reporting directly to the Chief People Officer (CPO). As the most senior Human Resources professional within the Primary team, you will operate at a high level within the organisation, ensuring that all HR Services functions are full equipped and offering an efficient and effective level of service.

You will lead the work of the HR function for our Primary Academies with authority and expertise, adopting a pragmatic approach to balance risk while achieving timely and cost-effective results.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, this post holder will be accountable for:  

• Support the Chief People Officer in the review and subsequent delivery of our People Strategy.
• Set a clear direction for Primary HR Services, creating and enabling delivery of the Strategy.
• Support the Primary Education Directorate team and wider work of the Trust by attending conferences, networks, events, and strategic planning days.
• Work with the National Education Director and their team of Education Directors to support all HR needs across their Academies and teams.
• Effectively line manage and develop your team of HR Business Partners and HR Officers, driving improvements and operational excellence.
• Assume responsibility for all Primary key cases, liaising with the Trusts external HR partners where necessary, and reporting the most significant high-risk cases to the Chief People Officer.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures in collaboration with the Head of Primary HR, Head of HR Operations and the CPO
• Use HR metrics to inform decision making and improve processes, providing regular updates to the CPO.

For full details of the post please see attached Job Description and Person Specification

Pay range: SCP 50 -SCP55 £61,013.00 to £68,774.00

Qualifications and Skills:

• Professional qualification in HR, e.g. MCIPD, employment law (ES) or equivalent work experience
• Previous leadership experience of a HR team or function within a large organisation preferably in the education sector
• Experience of managing HR change, including the management of TUPE and contractual change management
• Previous experience of managing a remote HR team
• Successful track record of using HR / People interventions to support organisational change (ES).
• Financial and budgetary management with the ability to understand, manage and interpret budgetary and other financial information

What are we about? 

Strategic Vision: We firmly believe that coming from a disadvantaged background should not determine your future, and our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ (OMOD) strategy is about creating the conditions where children, young people and staff can thrive.   

Outstanding Leadership: Leadership is the key to unlocking exceptional outcomes for our team and the communities we engage with. We lead by example, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. 

Inclusive Excellence: We are developing a people-first culture, celebrating the diversity of our team and the broader community. Co-construct the essence of an extraordinary workplace that values and leverages the unique contributions of each team member. 

System Leadership: Our ambition is to transform the lives of individuals and communities across the trust. We are though leaders on topics important to our communities and offer sector wide support to drive change. 

National Collaboration: Our exceptional team members share, and problem solve together across all functions. You will have the opportunity to share your skills, hear from experts and work with staff across the country to develop your practice.   

About E-ACT: 

Join a trust that is going places! 

Having recently won TES Team of the Year 2024, MAT of the Year 2023 at both the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, this is a very exciting time to join us! Why do we feel we have been recognised as a strong MAT? It is down to our dedicated, talented staff that are committed in delivering nothing but excellence for all of our children and young people.  

We all pride ourselves in fostering a people-first culture, which extends to all our pupils, staff, and stakeholders. We are proud to lead a community of 38 academies, educating of over 25,000 pupils across our five core hubs. Our staff satisfaction is above national benchmarks and we run a range of projects and programmes to address key topics such as workload and wellbeing. 

Our Opening Minds, Opening Doors strategy is at the forefront of everything we do, we don’t just prepare our pupils for the world; we equip them to thrive and succeed within it. Through our collaborative approach to education, we aim to open doors to a world of opportunities, where every child can pursue their dreams. 

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk 

Benefits: 

Collaborative Working: Thrive in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and collective success. 

Support System of 38 Academies: Be part of a network of 38 academies, providing a dedicated support system and opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential counselling services, providing emotional support and guidance when needed. 

Cycle to Work: Enjoy a healthy commute with our cycle-to-work programme, making bicycles more affordable. 

Electric Car Scheme: Take advantage of our environmentally friendly initiative, making electric vehicles more accessible for a sustainable and efficient commute. 

Generous Pension: Secure your future with a robust pension plan, ensuring financial well-being during retirement. 

Holiday Entitlement: Enjoy 31 days annual leave plus statutory Bank Holidays. 

For further information regarding the post please email: sian.john@e-act.org.uk

Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing and returning our application and equal opportunities form.