Key Role Information

Salary
50,269.00-54,495.00
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
05/06/2026 16:00
Interview
w/c 29/06/2026
Contract term
AYR - All year round
Pay grade
NJC | SCP39 - SCP43
Department
Operations Staff
Key stage
Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3
Hours per week
37.00
Weeks per year
52.143
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

People and Culture Business Partner

Grade K - £50,269 per annum – £54,495 per annum

37 hours per week x 52 weeks

Schools Location: Salford, Manchester, Knowsley, Trafford, Bolton


Join a values-driven Academy Trust shaping the future of education for our pupils


Vantage Church of England Multi Academy Trust is rooted in a sustained period of transformation which will continue as we move forward. Rooted in our Christian vision and values, we are committed to delivering excellence, developing people, and ensuring every pupil and every member of staff flourishes. The Trust is currently made up of 9 primary schools and 1 secondary school and growth plans are in place moving forward.


We are seeking an experienced People and Culture Business Partner to play a pivotal role in supporting our People, Culture and Engagement Manager and the wider Trust in shaping our workforce, strengthening leadership, and supporting our academies on their improvement journeys.


About the role


  • Working closely with the People, Culture and Engagement Manager, you will:
  • Provide expert HR advice and support across the Trust and its academies
  • Partner with school leaders to manage complex employee relations and organisational change
  • Lead on key areas including employee relations, recruitment, workforce planning, performance management, and staff wellbeing
  • Assist in the development of the Trust’s People Strategy and ensure that HR work is aligned to Trust priorities
  • Promote a positive, inclusive culture rooted in our Christian ethos and values
  • Use data and insight to inform decision-making and identify emerging trends


This is a highly visible role, working closely with Headteachers, senior leaders, and Trustees and governors to support effective people practices across our family of schools. Whilst hybrid working is in place, you will be expected to travel across every school therefore access to a vehicle is essential.


About you


You will be:


  • A CIPD Level 7 qualified HR professional (MCIPD)
  • Experienced in complex HR casework and employment law in a school/academy setting
  • Confident influencing and supporting senior leaders
  • Skilled in leading change and organisational development including engagement with key stakeholders
  • Passionate about education and making a difference to staff and pupils
  • Committed to the values and ethos of a Church of England Trust


Experience within the education sector (schools or MATs) is essential.


Why join us?

  • Be part of a values-led organisation rooted in the Christian foundation
  • Opportunity to shape and influence a Trust-wide transformation programme
  • Work in a supportive, collaborative and ambitious environment
  • Enjoy a role with real impact across multiple academies


Safeguarding and Ethos


Vantage CE MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks.

We are proud to be an inclusive Church of England Trust, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds who share our commitment to our vision and values.


If you would like to have a conversation about the role please email Dave Norton, Director of People and Governance by emailing david.norton@vantageacademies.co.uk to arrange.

Qualifications

CIPD Level 7 essential
CIPD Level 7 MCIPD
Good Standard of Education essential
Evidence of continuous professional Developmentdesirable

Skills

Experience

Experience of managing traded services and maximising income opportunities.essential
Experience of using HR information systems including case management (Essential)essential
Knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education and ensuring HR practices and processes are compliant (Essential)essential
Experience of policy development to ensure compliance with employment legislation and changes in best practice (Essential)essential
Experience of supporting school leaders, Trustees and governors in all HR related activities (Essential)essential
In depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practice (Essential)essential
Supporting organisational change initiatives including staff reviews and changes to terms and conditions of employment (Essential)essential
Designing and delivering HR training to support leadership development and wider staff development. (Essential)essential
A minimum of 3 years’ experience advising on complex employee relations issues, including discipline, grievance, absence management, performance management, TUPE etc particularly in a school, academy or education establishment. (Essential)essential

Personal Attributes

Access to a vehicle and to travel across all schools across the Trust.essential
Personal Commitment to the CIPD’s professional code of conductessential
Display appropriate coping strategies, including sense of proportion and a sense of humour.essential
Applicants must not be disqualified by law from holding directorships and must undergo an enhanced DBS check.essential
Demonstrate a firm commitment to the concept of Multi-Academy Trust and desire to see the Trust flourish and expand in a sustainable manner.essential
Able to travel across the geography of the Trust.essential
Work flexibly, including any service specific hours/ out of hours.essential
Highly organised with excellent time management and personal accountability.essential
Makes transparent decisions and prioritises issues and risks effectively.essential
Inspires high performance across the Trust and models an inclusive, collaborative approach to workessential
Demonstrates both analytical rigour and creative problem-solving to address challenges and identify opportunities.
Skilled communicator and natural networker, able to influence, consult, and manage change with sensitivity and sound judgement.
Demonstrates resilience and compassion, with the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Approachable, empathetic, and confident in engaging with students, staff, families, and the wider community.
Committed to promoting the ethos and values of the Trust, including its Christian foundation as a mixed Church of England MAT.
Capable of articulating a compelling vision and theory of change to drive improvement and transformation.
Committed to inclusion, actively promoting diversity in decision-making.
Understands the broader educational and governance context in which Trusts operate.
Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse complex information and make effective, evidence-informed decisions.

Qualifications

Trained Mediator (Desirable)

Vantage CE Academies Trust

HR Team

HR@vantageacademies.co.uk

Astley Road
Huyton
Merseyside
Liverpool
L36 8DB

Safeguarding Information

Vantage Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. Vantage Academies Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.