Achieve and Learn Trust: Director of People
Altrincham College, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 8QWDeadline is tomorrow
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
15 May 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
24 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: This is a permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, all year round. Flexible, hybrid working is available. The position will be based at the Trust Hub at Altrincham College, Trafford LA, South Manchester with travel to member schools.
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- NJC Band 11 Points 40-43 (Actual Salary £51,356 – £54,495) Pay award pending.
What skills and experience we're looking for
The Opportunity
Our Trust is seeking an exceptional HR and Communications professional for the newly created role of Director of People.
This is a rare opportunity to join us at a defining moment in our journey. With currently only two Secondary schools, the Trust has ambitious plans for significant growth over the next two years. We are looking for a leader who can build the robust people infrastructure required to support this expansion, ensuring we remain "Better, Together" as our community grows.
We are also seeking someone who has communications experience, especially in creating and enhancing an online presence to support our PR and Marketing strategy.
The Role
This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role. You will be responsible for developing a Trust-wide People Strategy that not only supports our current staff but also facilitates our upcoming growth and transformation.
As we scale up, you will lead on workforce planning, organisational design and HR compliance, ensuring that new schools joining the Trust are integrated seamlessly into a culture where every colleague feels valued and empowered. You will be a visible, influential leader, directly impacting the experience of every colleague, from those who have been with us for years to those joining us as part of our growth.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a dynamic HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment of change. You will bring:
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent) or a willingness to gain the qualification swiftly.
- Experience: Senior HR leadership experience, with a proven ability to manage organisational growth, TUPE transfers or multi-site expansions.
- Expertise: Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, policies, HR and Comms best practice.
- Leadership: A track record of leading and managing change and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Sector Knowledge: Experience in a Multi-Academy Trust or education setting is desirable but not essential.
What the school offers its staff
Why join Achieve and Learn Trust?
This is a great opportunity to shape a new central role during a period of intentional, strategic growth. You will be part of a collaborative Central Team that values innovation and professional excellence.
We offer:
- A lead role in the strategic expansion of the Trust.
- A supportive and ambitious leadership team.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and development.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Altrincham College
- School type
- Academies, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 982 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Altrincham College website
- Email address
- recruitment@achieveandlearntrust.com
- Phone number
- 0161 980 7173
Altrincham College (part of the South Manchester Learning Trust) is an over-subscribed 11-18 Academy set in the pleasant South Manchester suburbs of Hale/Timperley and on the Manchester/Trafford border. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Altrincham College places a high value on professional development and CPD opportunities are available to all staff.
School location
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