People Director
Discovery Schools Academies Trust Ltd, Leicester, LE4 1EZ10 days remaining to apply
Start date details
ASAP
Closing date
27 July 2026 at 10am
Date listed
16 July 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
- £72,024.00 - £81,300.00 Annually (FTE)
People Director job summary
Discovery Trust is an innovative, high performing and purpose driven multi-academy trust working across the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area. Across our growing family of 20 academies, we empower children and colleagues to realise their full potential and experience limitless learning. Being part of Discovery means playing your part, within an organisation that makes a lasting difference; a place where you can use your initiative, co-create with brilliant people - and be yourself.
This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader at a time of continuing growth and ambition. We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who brings credibility and is passionate about creating an employee experience that enables every colleague to thrive, contribute and deliver the very best outcomes for our pupils.
The People Director is a pivotal strategic leadership role, responsible for leading and evolving our people agenda to create an exceptional colleague experience that enables schools and teams to deliver outstanding outcomes for our pupils. Working closely with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, you will shape and deliver a forward thinking people strategy that aligns with our trust visions and values, ensuring Discovery Trust remains a great place to work, grow and belong.
You will provide expert advice on organisational development, workforce planning, culture, change and people practice, whilst leading a high-performing People Team that delivers innovative, effective and customer-focused services across the Trust. Through strong relationships, evidence-led decision making and a relentless focus on continuous improvement, you will champion a culture of Belonging, Ambition and Equity, helping to attract, develop and retain talented people who share our commitment to excellence and ensuring that everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to make a difference.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will help shape a positive, high-performing culture across Discovery Trust. We are looking for an experienced People or HR leader, qualified to CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent), with a strong track record of leading people services in a complex, unionised environment. You will bring experience from the education sector or a similarly complex, multi-site organisation, with a deep understanding of leading people services across diverse teams and locations.
Discovery Trust employ a diverse range of highly talented people to co-construct the very best places to learn, with innovative solutions to ensure all children achieve. If you want to make a lasting difference, get in touch to learn more. For a confidential and informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners, Propelo, on 01273 222 877 or email discovery@propelo.co.uk. To access the pack and for details of how to apply, please visit: https://discovery.our-careers.co.uk
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications:
- Relevant people/organisation leadership qualification (e.g.CIPD Level 7 or higher) or equivalent senior level experience leading complex workforce and organisational change.
Professional Growth & Support
- Coaching, peer networking and ongoing leadership development opportunities to support your growth as a senior people leader.
- A collaborative executive team that values strategic HR leadership , innovation and continuous improvement across the Trust.
- The opportunity to share and influence culture, leadership capability, and people strategy at executive and board level.
- Access to modern technology, digital tools, data insights and cross functional collaboration that support innovation, informed decision making and organisational growth.
Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
- Flexible working options.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
- Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
- Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
- Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
- Free childcare.
Additional Perks
- Free parking.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Gym discounts.
- Eyecare vouchers.
- Dental support.
- Retail discounts.
- Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.
Equal Opportunities & Accessibility
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.
Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents.
More about Discovery Schools Trust
Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.
Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.
AI
While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.
Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!
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 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.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Discovery Schools Academies Trust Ltd
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Discovery Schools Academy Trust is a multi academy trust of 13 primary schools and 2 special school dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence.
The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence is shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.
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