Head of People Operations

Are you an aspirational and influential leader ready to shape the future of people services? As our Head of People Operations, you will lead and continuously develop a high-performing HR service across our family of 14 schools, inspiring the team that delivers excellence for every colleague and every school.

With around 900 staff across primary and secondary phases, our people are everything to us. Once in post, you will shape the growth of the team directly - appointing a new People Officer this September and bringing an outsourced role in-house as a People Partner during 2027.

Lead the future of people services across our family of schools.

As a strategic leader, you will champion the delivery of an exceptional, proactive HR service, driving innovation through systems, technology and service transformation. Partnering closely with school leaders, you will provide expert people solutions that inform key organisational decisions. Working alongside the Director of People, you will shape and deliver impactful initiatives that enhance employee experience, strengthen organisational culture and bring our People Strategy to life across every school.

Who we’re looking for

You are an ambitious, credible HR professional and ready to step up and lead. You bring sound employment law knowledge, the confidence to advise and influence senior leaders, and a track record of leading People projects and change from design through to delivery. Just as importantly, you have the vision and drive to grow and develop a team.

Experience in the education sector is desirable but not essential - what matters most is your judgement, your energy, and your commitment to outstanding service. You will report to the Director of People and sit at the centre of an ambitious, supportive Trust.

For an informal, confidential conversation about the role, please contact Laura Taylor, Director of People: laura.taylor@318education.co.uk

What we can offer you:

The 3-18 Education Trust is a multi-academy trust with students aged from 3-18 and which works collaboratively to provide interesting and exciting opportunities for staff to share ideas, resources and expertise, for the benefit of the students.

In addition to a comprehensive induction and a commitment to your ongoing training and career progression, we also offer a range of employee benefits. To find out more information please visit our Trust's Careers Page or our Trust Website.

The 3-18 Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013, 2020 and 2023). Guidance on disclosing convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Under the Immigration Act 2016, candidates for customer-facing roles must meet the necessary standard of spoken English. It is an offence to apply if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Employment is subject to medical fitness, satisfactory references, right to work in the UK, and an Enhanced DBS check. Online social media checks will be carried out on successful applicants.