Human Resources & Operations Manager

The Woodland Academy Trust, Erith, DA8 1JE

7 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  1st September 2026

• Closing date

  2 July 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  25 June 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: £51,732.00 - £59,778.00 Annually (Actual) Hay Grade 18.1-18.4 (Outer London)

Human Resources & Operations Manager job summary

Job title: Human Resources & Operations Manager
Status: Permanent
Hours: 36 hours per week
Working weeks per year: 52 weeks per year
Grade: Hay Grade 18.1-18.4 (£51,732-£59,778)

Post Start Date: 1st September 2026

Woodland Academy Trust are seeking an outstanding HR and Operations Manager to lead and develop our HR, compliance and operational systems across our family of primary schools. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and working closely with the CEO, Deputy CEO, Headteachers and central teams, you will play a key role in ensuring that our people practices, compliance arrangements and operational processes are effective, compliant and aligned with the Trust's strategic priorities.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who thrives on balancing strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery. You will provide expert advice and practical support on a wide range of HR matters, including employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, wellbeing, policy development and organisational change. You will also oversee key compliance processes, governance administration, workforce reporting and the effective use of systems and data to support decision-making across the Trust.

As a values-led organisation, we are looking for someone who can build positive relationships, communicate with confidence and integrity, and support leaders to achieve the best outcomes for staff and pupils. The successful candidate will be committed to continuous improvement and interested in exploring how digital tools, automation and AI can be used safely, ethically and effectively to improve services and efficiency.

The successful candidate will...

• Lead and oversee HR, compliance and operational systems across the Trust, ensuring consistency, efficiency and legal compliance.
• Provide trusted advice and support to senior leaders on HR, staffing, employee relations and operational matters.
• Manage complex and sensitive employee relations casework with professionalism, sound judgement and discretion.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and safer recruitment processes, ensuring all statutory requirements are met.
• Maintain oversight of workforce records, employment checks, contracts and HR documentation.
• Support schools in maintaining compliant Single Central Records and safeguarding-related employment processes.
• Lead the review, implementation and communication of Trust policies and compliance requirements.
• Produce high-quality workforce data, reports and analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Identify trends, risks and opportunities relating to staffing, recruitment, attendance, wellbeing and compliance.
• Work effectively with external providers including payroll, occupational health, HR and legal advisers.
• Build positive working relationships with leaders, staff, governors, trustees and external stakeholders.
• Promote continuous improvement and support the effective use of digital systems, automation and AI to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Champion the Trust's values of ambition, collaboration, compassion, excellence and inclusivity.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close this position early should a suitable candidate be found. Therefore, early application is advised.

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 The Woodland Academy Trust

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

Head office location

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