Director of People & Culture

• Director_of_People_and_Culture_-_Job_Description___Person_Specification
• SJBF_HR_Organisation_Structure

In order to apply for this position, please complete the online application at My New Term through the link. We do not accept CV's.

Role: Director of People & Culture

Salary: Grade 14 – SCP 48 to SCP 52 - £68,365 to £73,216 (FTE)

Contract type: Permanent, 37 hours per week, Full-year. Flexibility would be considered for the right candidate.

Reporting to: Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Start date: As soon as possible

About Us

This is an exciting time to join the Sir John Brunner Foundation as we prepare for a significant period of growth. Our Multi-Academy Trust currently educates more than 4,300 children and young people and employs over 450 professionals. We are due to welcome four primary academies into the Foundation on 1 November 2026, extending our educational provision from primary education through to sixth form.

Our mission is to enhance and advance students’ lives through the highest standards of education, underpinned by our values of Excellence, Belonging, and Partnership. Each academy operates at the heart of its local community, supported by the expertise and collaboration of the wider Foundation.

The Foundation currently incorporates:

• The County High School, Leftwich
• Middlewich High School
• Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College
• Macclesfield Academy

With a proud legacy of educational excellence dating back to 1557, we remain firmly focused on children and young people, providing an education that nurtures curiosity, confidence and joy in learning. Working with our communities, we create environments where every child feels valued, safe and supported to reach their potential.

This role is based at the Foundation’s Head Office on the Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College campus in Northwich, with travel to academies across the Foundation as required.

About the Role

As Director of People & Culture, you will shape a People and Culture strategy that supports our educational ambitions, values and continued growth and lead the Foundation’s HR function.

Reporting to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and specialist HR expertise to the Executive Team and academy leaders. You will lead on the effective performance of the HR/People and payroll service. As a key member of the Foundation central leadership team, you will contribute to the wider strategic aims and values.

The arrival of four primary academies presents an opportunity to help shape the next stage of the Foundation’s development. You will lead the people aspects of all organisational change, building relationships and supporting colleagues.

Your Responsibilities

• Delivery of the People and Culture Strategy across the Foundation, ensuring that all employees see the Foundation as a great place to work.
• Leading on the strategic and operational performance of the HR/People function and services, including payroll.
• Being a key member of the Foundation central leadership team and contributing to its wider strategic aims and values.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative HR leader who can translate organisational priorities into effective people practices and build trusted relationships across the Foundation.

You will bring:

• A recognised HR qualification, preferably MCIPD/FCIPD, or relevant degree.
• A proven track record of successful HR leadership in complex organisations.
• A deep understanding of people management issues.
• Experience of leading organisational change, including TUPE procedures.
• The ability to think strategically, provide sound professional advice and communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• An understanding of the education environment and safeguarding requirements, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Experience of HR within education and working with trade union representatives would be advantageous.

Above all, you will share our commitment to Excellence, Belonging, and Partnership, recognising the contribution that effective people leadership makes to the education and wellbeing of children and young people.

Closing Date: 02 November 2026, 9am

Interview Date: Tuesday 10November 2026

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Director of People & Culture role, please complete the application form. You are strongly encouraged to get your application form submitted at the earliest opportunity, as we reserve the right to close our adverts earlier than advertised where sufficient applications have been received.

If you would like to talk to us about the role before applying, please contact Kathryn McBurnie, CFOO on 01606 664900 and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.

The Sir John Brunner Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant must have enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references. The Sir John Brunner Foundation is an equal opportunities employer.