Lead People Partner – Education Sector

About the role

We are partnering with an Educational Authority to recruit a Lead People Partner who will support schools across the Bristol region. The role is primarily remote, with occasional travel to Birmingham, and offers the autonomy to manage your own diary and workload.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver a high‑performing employee relations service and manage complex or high‑risk cases.
• Partner strategically with schools and multi‑academy trusts to design and implement people‑focused projects, including restructures, redundancies and TUPE.
• Coach and develop school leaders to handle people matters, strengthening culture and employee relations.
• Mentor the HR Advisory team, ensuring consistent, high‑quality ER advice and risk mitigation.
• Lead the creation and rollout of People Services policies, embedding equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Analyse HR and ER data to spot trends, risks and opportunities and recommend improvements.

Required profile

• CIPD Level 5 qualification.
• Proven experience as a commercial HR/People Partner in fast‑paced or complex environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead organisational change projects.
• Strong emotional intelligence and capability to manage sensitive, contentious issues.
• Experience within the education sector or HR/payroll provider organisations is advantageous.

Required skills

What we offer

• Majority remote working with occasional travel to Birmingham.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Competitive pension scheme.
• BUPA Cashplan health cover.
• Wellbeing and employee support initiatives.
• 37‑hour week (Mon‑Thu 8:30‑17:00, Fri 8:30‑15:00).