Director of People & Culture

Role: Director of People & Culture

Salary: Grade 14 – SCP 48 to SCP 52 - £68,365 to £73,216 (FTE)

Contract type: Permanent, 37 hours per week, Full-year. Flexibility would be considered for the right candidate.

Reporting to: Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Start date: As soon as possible

This role is based at the Foundation’s Head Office on the Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College campus in Northwich, with travel to academies across the Foundation as required.

About the Role

As Director of People & Culture, you will shape a People and Culture strategy that supports our educational ambitions, values and continued growth and lead the Foundation’s HR function.

Reporting to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and specialist HR expertise to the Executive Team and academy leaders. You will lead on the effective performance of the HR/People and payroll service. As a key member of the Foundation central leadership team, you will contribute to the wider strategic aims and values.

The arrival of four primary academies presents an opportunity to help shape the next stage of the Foundation’s development. You will lead the people aspects of all organisational change, building relationships and supporting colleagues.

Your Responsibilities

• Delivery of the People and Culture Strategy across the Foundation, ensuring that all employees see the Foundation as a great place to work.
• Leading on the strategic and operational performance of the HR/People function and services, including payroll.
• Being a key member of the Foundation central leadership team and contributing to its wider strategic aims and values.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details.

What We Are Looking For

• We are looking for a strategic and collaborative HR leader who can translate organisational priorities into effective people practices and build trusted relationships across the Foundation.
• A recognised HR qualification, preferably MCIPD/FCIPD, or relevant degree.
• A proven track record of successful HR leadership in complex organisations.
• A deep understanding of people management issues.
• Experience of leading organisational change, including TUPE procedures.
• The ability to think strategically, provide sound professional advice and communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• An understanding of the education environment and safeguarding requirements, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Experience of HR within education and working with trade union representatives would be advantageous.

Above all, you will share our commitment to Excellence, Belonging, and Partnership, recognising the contribution that effective people leadership makes to the education and wellbeing of children and young people.

Closing Date: 02 November 2026, 9am

Interview Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026