Trust Director of HR at Moorlands Learning Trust

New

Job Reference #

EDV/2026/MLT/96655

Location

Cowpasture, Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8TR

Contract Type

Permanent

Contract Term

Full-Time

Salary

£63,070.00 - £69,596.00 Annually (Actual)
Full time, all year round

Closing Date

8:00am, 24th Feb 2026

Start Date

April 2026

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

Provisional - Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Interview Date(s) Provisional - Tuesday 3rd March 2026

About this Role

TRUST DIRECTOR OF HR - MOORLANDS LEARNING TRUST

Scale Point L9 (Leadership Range L9 – L13)  Actual annual salary: £63,070 - £69,596

Hybrid – based at Ilkley Grammar School

Full time, all year round with a start date of April 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, experienced and strategic HR leader to join Moorlands Learning Trust (MLT) as our Director of HR. This is a new executive role in our leadership structure, offering the chance to shape and lead the delivery of Human Resources across a large and complex public-sector organisation.

Working as part of the Executive Team, the successful candidate will play an important role in establishing and embedding high standards of people management and professional practice, driving our People Strategy, culture and HR services at a key stage in our development.

As a values driven Trust with a strong commitment to integrity, collaboration and empowerment, we are looking for a senior HR professional with a proven track record in driving organisational improvement, inspiring confidence, and building strong, positive relationships to lead impactful change. If you have the ability to engage, influence and enthuse others, coupled with the strategic insight, professional expertise and personal credibility required to be an exceptional member of our team, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

We are looking for a Director of HR who is:

visionary, with the drive and ideas to take MLT’s HR and people services to the next stage of development
passionate about creating an environment where staff can thrive and perform at their best for the benefit of all children and young people
experienced in building and leading high-performing HR teams within large and complex organisations
a trusted professional adviser to the CEO, CFO, the Executive Team, Trustees and senior leaders on culture, compliance, workforce planning and organisational development
confident in leading organisational change and strengthening the quality and consistency of HR services across multiple settings
skilled in navigating complex people matters with sound judgement, expertise and professionalism
able to build productive partnerships across schools and with external stakeholders
committed to high expectations and exacting standards, with meticulous attention to detail

In return for your commitment, we offer:

a rewarding role with the opportunity to shape and lead the future direction of HR as the Trust continues to grow
high levels of autonomy and the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making within the Executive Team
a collaborative and supportive work environment, with a focus on developing strong, positive relationships and an ethos of trust and care
the opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of staff and students across the Trust
opportunities for continuous professional development
flexibility to work from home during school holidays and, on occasions, during term-time
a primary location based at Ilkley Grammar School on the edge of Ilkley Moor in beautiful Wharfedale

Closing date for applications: 8am Tuesday 24th February 2026

Provisional interview date: Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Moorlands Learning Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people in our recruitment procedures and in all our work across and beyond the Trust.  The Trust adheres to statutory guidelines in respect to safer recruitment including social media checks on all shortlisted candidates.  All persons employed by the Trust, in any capacity, will undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and confirmation of employment is subject to a successful outcome.  All teaching and support staff members recruited by the Trust have their eligibility to teach/work in our Trust schools checked with the DfE.

Contact Details

  Lisa Pawson
  01943 608424
  recruitment@igs.mlt.co.uk

Moorlands Learning Trust would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:

Detail your motivation for applying for this role
Describe the impact of a significant HR strategy which you have led
Outline the experience, skills and leadership qualities you would bring to the position