Grade:                 Kent Scheme – KSI
Base:                    Cygnus Academies Trust – Shared Services (Kent) with travel across our schools
Contract:           37 hours per week/ 52 weeks per year, permanent
Salary:                 Kent Scheme I (£45,672 to £51,489)
Closing date:   Sunday 29^th March 11.59pm
Interviews:       Thursday 2nd April 2026

We’re looking for an experienced and forward thinking People Manager to shape a workplace where every member of staff can thrive — because when our people flourish, our pupils do too.

As part of Cygnus Academies Trust, you’ll lead a small but ambitious HR team and play a central role in building a positive, supportive and high performing culture across our schools. This is a role with real variety, real influence, and real impact.

What makes this role exciting?

• You’ll lead on people strategy, wellbeing and retention, contributing to developing the Trust as an employer of choice.
• You’ll be a trusted partner to our senior leaders, shaping decisions and improving the staff experience.
• You’ll help us grow and strengthen our Trust, supporting leaders with recruitment, workforce planning and future talent.
• You’ll bring expertise in employee relations and create consistent, fair and confident leadership practice across schools.
• You will work collaboratively with the wider HR team to develop, refine, and embed efficient, consistent, and future‑focused HR practices across the Trust
• Provide oversight of payroll and pension administration, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective alignment with Trust policies and statutory requirements.

 What we’re looking for:

Someone who:    

• Is CIPD Level 5 (or above) with strong HR leadership experience.
• Thrives in a role that balances strategy, operational delivery and relationship building.
• Brings confidence and calm to HR matters, including ER casework.
• Understands (or is keen to learn) the education landscape.
• Has  a positive, solutions focused approach and wants to ensure the work environment is supportive for others.· 

If you’re passionate about people, improvement and building healthy organisational cultures, you’ll feel at home here.

For an informal discussion about the role, please do not hesitate to get in touch.  To apply, click the fast apply button to complete your application form today.

Please note that  due to the volume of applications we receive, candidates may be invited to interview as applications are received; therefore, early application is strongly encouraged as the position may close early should a suitable candidate be found.

If you would prefer the application pack in a different format, please get in touch.