A new opportunity to shape and lead HR delivery across a group of GDST schools across Sheffield | Nottingham | Norwich | Northampton
We are looking for an experienced and resilient HR professional to lead high-quality HR delivery across a group of GDST schools within our cluster model. This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives in a busy, multi-site environment and is confident providing senior-level HR advice while also overseeing critical operational processes.
Working closely with the Cluster Director of Finance & Operations (DFO) for operational leadership, and with the People & Culture team at Trust Office for professional HR standards, you will ensure that each school within the cluster receives a consistent, compliant and impactful HR service. You will line manage HR Officers across the cluster, promote excellent people practices, and act as the first point of escalation for employee relations issues.
This is an excellent opportunity to build a cohesive HR approach across several schools, contribute to a supportive HR community within the GDST, and play a key role in embedding the cluster operating model successfully.
What you’ll be doing
You will provide expert HR advice and oversight across all schools in the cluster, ensuring alignment with GDST policies, legal requirements and safer recruitment expectations. You will lead, guide and develop HR Officers, oversee the accuracy of HR processes such as payroll, SCR compliance and onboarding, and ensure that managers across the schools are confident and well supported in applying HR policies.
A key part of your role will be working with People & Culture Business Partners at Trust Office on complex casework, organisational change (including restructures and TUPE), and ensuring consistency across the Trust. You will use data dashboards regularly to identify patterns and emerging issues, helping school leaders take timely action on absence, performance, ER trends, and compliance.
You will be a central figure in the smooth running of HR operations across the cluster, combining professional expertise, coaching skills and the ability to deliver at pace.
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role
- CIPD Level 5 (essential), Level 7 or equivalent experience desirable
- Strong generalist HR experience, with significant employee relations expertise and experience advising at senior levels
- Experience managing HR services across multi-site environments
- Demonstrable line management experience and the ability to develop others
- Confident handling sensitive and complex cases with tact, diplomacy and sound judgement
- Strong understanding of safer recruitment and SCR compliance (education experience helpful but not essential)
- Ability to analyse HR data and produce insightful reports and recommendations
- Excellent written communication, organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to build positive working relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
- Confidence working autonomously, prioritising effectively and maintaining accuracy in a busy and varied workload
- High levels of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism
Who we are
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 24 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.
The organisation’s values serve as guiding principles:
- We put girls first
- We think and act fearlessly
- We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
- We are a family of schools
- We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff
As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
Why join us
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.