Deputy HR Director

Job Title: Deputy HR Director

Full Time Annual Salary: £69,595 - £80,654 (CLF Leadership Pay Scale) appointments are based on experience and usually towards the bottom of the scale.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, All year-round. Whilst full time working is our preference if you are interested in applying and require some flexibility, please get in touch to discuss.

Provisional Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: This is a Hybrid role, and the main HR is office is based at King’s Oak Academy, Bristol. Building relationships with the HR Team and Senior Leaders across the Trust will be vital to success and therefore we would envisage for an initial period, you will need to have face to face presence as much as possible. Over time you might expect to work 1-2 days from home.

About the Role:

Are you ready to shape the future of work in a purpose-driven organisation? We’re looking for a dynamic and visionary Deputy HR Director to join our HR leadership team and help us create a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing culture across our Federation. Reporting directly to the HR Director, you’ll lead our Employee Relations and Learning & Development team, driving forward strategic priorities and championing a safe, fair, and empowering workplace for all.

You’ll be at the heart of shaping and delivering our people experience work—ensuring every colleague can grow, contribute, and thrive. You’ll be joining at an exciting time as we move into year 4 of our organisational strategy, where the people plan is our focus. We are looking for somebody who thrives on solving complex challenges and driving meaningful change. In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert for navigating sensitive employee relations, leading strategic workforce initiatives, and shaping a culture where people can do their best work.

This is a high-impact role where you’ll:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and executive teams.
• Lead a team of Managers and Advisers on managing complex ER cases, TUPE processes, and Management of Change.
• Drive forward our learning and development strategy to unlock potential at every level.
• Build strong relationships with trade unions, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Use data and insight to shape workforce planning and organisational development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

• A deep understanding of people strategy, employee relations, and organisational development.
• Proven leadership experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• A passion for creating inclusive, values-led workplaces.
• The ability to influence, coach, and inspire at all levels.
• A sharp analytical mind and a solutions focused approach.
• The confidence to tackle tough issues with clarity and compassion.
• The ability to turn data into insight and insight into action.
• A track record of delivering results in high-pressure situations.

Why Join Us?

• At our Federation, we don’t just talk about purpose—we live it. You’ll be part of a team that’s committed to making a difference in the lives of our colleagues, pupils, and communities. We offer:
• A supportive and forward-thinking HR team.
• Opportunities to lead meaningful change and have significant impact.
• A culture that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role to find out more please email Rachel Mylrea (HR Director) at Rachel.Mylrea @clf.uk to arrange a time directly. Alternatively, you can arrange to talk to the current postholder Kate Winsor (Deputy HR Director) at Kate.Winsor @clf.uk

Why work at CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 35 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you:

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!

Recruitment timeline:

• Closing Date: 8th October 2025

• Shortlisting: 9th October 2025

• Interviews: 16th October 2025

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs, a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.

Skilled Worker visas cannot be sponsored through this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.