People Operations Manager

The Primary First Trust, Gravesend, DA11 0DY

16 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  ASAP

• Closing date

  22 February 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  6 February 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: £51,943.00 Annually (FTE) 37 hrs per week. 52 weeks per year

People Operations Manager job summary

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and values‑led HR professional to play a central role in delivering outstanding people operations across our Trust—ensuring our staff, schools and pupils are supported by robust processes, high‑quality systems and a culture built on Courage, Innovation and Excellence.

As our People Operations Manager, you will be at the heart of our People Team—leading operational delivery, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring we meet our statutory and regulatory responsibilities. You’ll take ownership of key Trust-wide functions, including:

• Managing payroll and pensions (TPS & LGPS), ensuring accuracy and legislative compliance
• Overseeing and enhancing our HRMIS and people systems
• Ensuring robust data governance, including managing DSARs
• Developing clear, effective people policies and SOPs
• Leading and analysing people data to influence decision-making
• Supporting transformational projects and Trust-wide initiatives
• Embedding our ED&I strategy and strengthening internal communications

You’ll also play a key role in supporting our People Team Administrator and working closely with our People Business Partner to ensure our schools get the very best service.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Professionally qualified (CIPD Level 5 or equivalent)
• Experienced in HR operations, change delivery and project management
• Skilled in payroll, pensions, employment law and people systems
• Confident working with data, KPIs and reporting
• Calm, resilient and able to think on your feet
• An excellent communicator who can influence, persuade and collaborate at all levels
• Passionate about safeguarding, inclusion and providing high‑quality support to schools
• Driven by values—role modelling Courage, Innovation and Excellence in everything you do

Why Join The Primary First Trust?

At PFT, people are at the centre of everything we do. You’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative team committed to making a real difference for our pupils and communities.

We offer:

• A culture rooted in trust, ambition and continuous improvement
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• The chance to shape processes, drive change and leave a legacy across the Trust
• A flexible working approach, including remote working
• A fantastic wellbeing package including access to GPs, nurses, physiotherapy and face-to-face counselling services.
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful, values-driven education

Safeguarding & Inclusion

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance, a health clearance, social media checks, a probationary period and satisfactory references.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

Please note, we may close the vacancy early if we have suitable candidates, so applying early is recommended.

No agencies, please. We will contact you if we need support on recruitment.

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 Primary First Trust

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

OUR VISION
The Primary First Trust. Visionary leaders in Primary Education
Our Vision is to be First for Primary Education.

First Class - for outcomes and overall pupil experience
First Choice - for parents choosing a school and for staff developing their careers
First Voice - as thought-leaders, pushing boundaries and raising standards

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