HR Business Partner

THE DEAN TRUST CENTRAL
C/O ASHTON ON MERSEY SCHOOL
Cecil Avenue
Sale
M33 5BP
Telephone: 0161 973 1179
Website: https://thedeantrust.co.uk/

HR BUSINESS PARTNER (Permanent) - Start date: ASAP
HR BUSINESS PARTNER (Fixed-term maternity cover) - Start date: ASAP
NJC Band 8 Points 30 32
36.25 hours per week. Full Time / All Year Round

We are seeking two proactive and dynamic Human Resources Business Partnersone on a permanent contract and one to cover a period of maternity leave.

Reporting to the Senior HR Business Partner, you will provide professional, hands-on HR business partnering support to Headteachers and senior leaders across all Trust academies.

In this pivotal role, you will act as a trusted advisor, supporting complex employee relations, driving organisational change, and contributing directly to the successful delivery of the Trust’s People Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Partnering: Partner with Headteachers and senior leaders to identify HR challenges and co-create forward-looking solutions aligned with the Trust's People Strategy.
Employee Relations & Casework: Provide expert advice and guidance on a range of complex casework, ensuring consistency, fairness, and compliance with employment law across all Trust schools.
Organisational Change: Support restructures, redeployments, TUPE processes, and the onboarding of new schools into the Trust.
Policy & Best Practice: Contribute to the review and development of HR policies, ensuring alignment with Keep Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and DfE guidelines.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong, collaborative working relationships with school leaders, trade unions, external partners, and central support teams.

About You:
We are looking for an ambitious HR professional who embodies our Trust values and possesses:
CIPD Level 5 (or equivalent HR qualification)
At least 3 years' experience in an HR generalist role, with proven experience advising on complex casework and contributing to HR projects. (Experience within an educational setting or working with trade unions is desirable).
Up-to-date knowledge of employment law and HR best practice. (Knowledge of safeguarding standards (KCSIE) is desirable).
Strong stakeholder management, high-level IT literacy, analytical ability, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
A full driving licence with access to a car for travel across Trust sites. Regular travel between all current and future Trust sites is a key fragment of the role.

How to Apply:
For further details and to submit an application, please visit The Dean Trust Careers Website. Please note that all applications must be completed using The Dean Trust’s official application form.

Enquiries: Email katiehurst@thedeantrust.co.uk or call 0161 973 1179.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer committed to ensuring inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates including those from underrepresented groups, and/or with protected characteristics.

The Dean Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Closing Date - 9am Wednesday 30 September 2026