Job Title: Trust HR Manager

Reports to: Executive HR Director
Type: Permanent
Sector: Multi-Academy Trust
Level: Senior HR role (strategic and operational)

Start date - 2026 (Happy to look at candidates with 3 months' notice period or below)

Location - Solihull (Hybrid)

Salary - £42,839 - £46,141 per annum

Role Purpose

The Trust HR Manager will act as the strategic deputy to the Executive HR Director, delivering high-quality HR services across the Trust. The role leads on complex employee relations, workforce planning, HR analytics, and organisational change. The postholder will drive HR excellence, ensure legal compliance, and promote a positive, inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Casework

Manage complex ER cases: disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence.

Liaise with EPM (outsourced HR provider) to ensure effective casework support.

Fortnightly case review meetings with EPM.

Monitor HRIS case logs and maintain the internal casework tracker.

Assess and action reports from the Confide reporting system.

Escalate complex/sensitive cases to HR Director as required.

Provide expert employment law and HR best-practice guidance.

Ensure consistent application of Trust policies.

Represent the Trust at hearings and, where required, tribunals.

HR Data, Analytics & Reporting

Lead statutory and internal reporting: Gender Pay Gap, Apprenticeship Levy, EDI metrics.

Analyse trends in absence, turnover, engagement.

Provide insight to inform workforce planning and HR strategy.

Operational HR Support

Support HR Coordinator and school-based HR administrators.

Collaborate with Payroll and Finance on contractual changes and case outcomes.

Maintain HR systems and ensure data integrity.

Internal Collaboration & Leadership

Attend weekly HR team meetings and contribute updates.

Participate in fortnightly meetings with the Executive HR Director.

Build strong relationships with school leaders, unions, and external partners.

Promote continuous improvement and development.

Deputise for the Executive HR Director as required.

Workforce Planning & OD

Support succession planning and talent management.

Contribute to organisational development and change programmes.

Champion Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) across the Trust.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

Essential

CIPD Level 5 (Level 7 desirable)

Strong experience managing complex ER casework

Experience with HR data reporting and analysis

In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR practice, and safeguarding

Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills

Personal Qualities

Professional, discreet, emotionally intelligent

Resilient and calm under pressure

Collaborative, inclusive leadership style

Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach

Desirable

Experience within a Trust or education setting

Please contact Mathure on (phone number removed) for further information