Head of Trust HR

• Opportunity to Lead a new HR Central Team in a growing Academy Trust
• Grade 11 Salary band £55,940 - to £59,715
• Permanent, full time 35 hours per week
• Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme, offering generous employer contributions
• Free onsite parking
• Manchester based, with travel across Greater Manchester to engage directly with schools and partners

Shape the Future of People Leadership in Education

Ambition Community Trust is seeking a values-driven Head of HR to lead and develop our people strategy across a growing family of schools.

Reporting to the CFOO, this newly created role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and develop the HR function within a dynamic and evolving environment. We’re looking for someone ready to take the next step in their career, bringing a positive mindset, proactive approach, and strong willingness to learn and grow. As the organisation continues to expand, the role will evolve accordingly, providing significant opportunities for both personal and professional development. We are committed to supporting your professional development and are pleased to offer sponsorship for CIPD Level 7 as part of your ongoing development plan.

This is an exciting opportunity to establish and shape a high-quality HR function within an ambitious and expanding Trust. With senior leader support, you will provide both strategic and operational HR leadership, helping to create a culture where every colleague feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

At Ambition Community Trust, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe schools flourish when kindness, inclusion, and collaboration are embedded in everyday practice. As Head of HR, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our people practices reflect these values while delivering excellence across all areas of HR.

About the Role

The successful candidate will lead on all aspects of HR strategy and operations across the Trust, including:

• Strategic workforce planning and organisational development
• Employee relations and complex case management
• Recruitment, onboarding, and safer recruitment compliance
• Leadership development and talent management
• HR policy development and employment law compliance
• Change management, restructures, and Trust growth
• Development and leadership of the central HR function
• Supporting senior leaders and headteachers with expert HR advice

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence organisational culture, strengthen staff wellbeing and engagement, and support the continued growth of the Trust.

About You

We are looking for a confident and collaborative HR leader who can operate strategically while maintaining strong operational credibility.

You will have:

• Senior-level HR experience, ideally within education, public sector, or multi-site organisations
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience managing complex employee relations matters
• The ability to advise and influence senior leaders effectively
• Experience leading and developing HR teams
• A commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and positive organisational culture
• CIPD Level 5 qualification (minimum), with willingness to work towards Level 7

Experience within the education sector and knowledge of academy trust environments, school workforce frameworks, and organisational change management would be highly advantageous.

Why Join Ambition Community Trust?

At Ambition Community Trust, we are committed to creating environments where both children and adults can flourish. We value compassion, collaboration, equity, and excellence, and we are proud to foster a culture where people feel genuinely supported and empowered.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a Trust that is ambitious for its schools, communities, and people.

Applications from candidates who have previously applied for this role within the last 12 months will not be considered.

Safeguarding Statement

Ambition Community Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment clearances.

The postholder must have a full driving license & access to their own vehicle

Apply

To apply follow the link below:

Head of Trust HR | SAMpeople Recruit

https://recruit.sampeople.co.uk/Jobboard/Vacancy/Details?campaignref=SCH-ACT-0031&urlKey=fb0a1c20-d165-429d-a988-78aea76cd815

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be required to answer specific Safer Recruitment Questions in advance of the interview.

The closing date for applications is 18th June 2026 and interviews will take place w/c 22nd June 2026.

Please visit our website at Ambition Community Trust (ACT) Transforming Children’s Lives and their Communities. to learn more about our organisation

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.