HR Manager

Appoint-ed

Ready to step into a Trust-wide HR role?

Are you an HR Advisor in a school or local authority, itching for your next challenge?
Feel like you’ve outgrown your current role?
Wondering if this is the year you take a leap?

If you’re ready to use your HR expertise to make a real difference across a growing Multi Academy Trust, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

I’m working with Victorious Academies Trust in Tameside to find a Trust HR Manager to support their 15 primary schools.

The Role
As HR Manager for the Trust, you’ll be part of the central team, reporting to the COO and working closely with the Executive Team. You’ll lead day-to-day HR operations, ensure legal compliance, develop policy, manage casework, and support the roll-out of a new HRIS. You’ll also play a key role in shaping the Trust’s long-term HR strategy.

The Offer

• Actual salary: 42,204 – 47,940
• FTE: 44,711 – 50,788
• Contract: Term-time + 4 weeks
• Pension: Local Government scheme – 19.9% employer contribution
• Location: Trust office in Mossley (OL6), with travel to schools across Tameside and Derbyshire
• Working pattern: Monday to Friday
• Hybrid working: Up to 20% of working time at home around the needs of the trust

HR Manager – Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage recruitment processes across the Trust
• Oversee safer recruitment checks (DBS, right to work, qualifications, etc.)
• Deliver safer recruitment training for staff and governors
• Sit on interview panels and maintain accurate records
• Manage new starter induction and probation reviews
• Keep all staff records and Single Central Records accurate and up to date
• Ensure all absences are recorded in Arbor and return-to-work interviews are completed
• Track and report on absence trends, starters/leavers, flexible working and more
• Support Headteachers and Office Managers on day-to-day HR matters
• Handle HR casework: grievance, conduct, capability, and investigations
• Review and update HR policies in line with legislation and Trust priorities
• Provide regular reporting to the COO on HR metrics
• Mentor school staff to strengthen HR practice and ensure consistency
• Oversee and support TUPE processes and HR due diligence
• Support contracts with DBS, EAP and OH providers
• Manage tasks for the HR admin support team
• Provide advice on operational HR matters including maternity, redundancy, overtime, and allowances
• Ensure HR activities with financial impact are carefully managed

HR Manager – Requirements:

• Minimum CIPD Level 5
• Driving licence and own vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed)
• A confident communicator who can both challenge and support
• Resilient, with sound judgement and a calm approach under pressure
• Strong time management and initiative
• Analytical and solutions-focused
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and upcoming changes
• Experience with HR policies and procedures – ideally in schools or a MAT
• Understanding of how HR fits within wider business operations
• Willingness to complete own relevant onboarding checks, including an enhanced DBS.

This role is being handled exclusively by Kellie Gordon at Appoint-Ed. All direct approaches will be forwarded to Kellie. Agency CVs will be regarded as a gift.