Head of HR Operations

United Learning Trust, Peterborough, PE3 6SB

26 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  27 September 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  1 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Highly Competitive
• Additional allowances:

  Highly Competitive

Head of HR Operations job summary

120 schools. 13,000+ employees. One big opportunity to make your mark.

United Learning is looking for an ambitious and inspiring Head of HR Operations to lead our Central Office HR team and help shape the future of HR across the country’s largest education group.

This newly created role, reporting to the Director of HR, offers real breadth and impact. Based in Peterborough (c.2 days a week), you’ll operate nationally, supporting 120 schools and more than 13,000 employees across United Learning. You’ll lead the Central Office HR team and play a key role in shaping our HR operations, while working closely with Headteachers, senior leaders and HR colleagues across the Group to challenge thinking and ensure we are always ready to embrace change and growth.

This is a genuine opportunity to lead a good service on the journey to exceptional.

We’re looking for someone who can think strategically, influence confidently and deliver operationally — a leader who continually asks how we can make things better. You’ll be a people-focused HR professional who builds trust, inspires others to give their absolute best and embeds excellence at all levels.

An understanding of education would be advantageous, but above all we’re looking for someone with impeccable judgement, high standards and the confidence and insight to navigate complexity in a changing environment. Crucially, you’ll share our moral purpose: creating the conditions for brilliant people to do brilliant work, so that together we can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people.

In return, you’ll join a dynamic organisation with talented colleagues, an excellent induction and ongoing support, and the scale and ambition to turn your ideas into impact.

Ready to shape the next chapter?

If you’re an ambitious HR leader who wants to make a genuine difference at scale, we’d like to hear from you. In the first instance, contact our recruitment partners, Propelo, for an informal, confidential conversation.

Email: propeloleadership@propelo.co.uk

Telephone: 01273 222 877

More information: https://propeloleadership.our-careers.co.uk

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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 school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About United Learning Trust

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/united-learning-trust

United Learning is a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life changing education to children and young people across England.

Central Office staff work closely with schools, offering a wealth of expertise to underpin schools' own knowledge. Our specialist departments, including HR, finance, technology, strategy and performance, estates, and marketing, work alongside dedicated school improvement teams. By joining us, you will provide ongoing support to schools, ultimately improving the outcomes of our pupils.

United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

Head office location

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