People Partner (HR)
| Posting date: | 12 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £41,348 to £53,178 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £41,348 - £53,178 per annum, based on experience + 25 days annual leave + bank holidays |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 June 2026 |
| Location: | Strood, Rochester |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Leigh Academies Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 009297 |
Summary
Who we are: Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) is one of the South East’s largest and most progressive multi-academy trusts, encompassing 33 academies across Kent, Medway, and South East London, spanning primary, secondary, grammar, all-through and specialist provision. We are ambitious, values-led and committed to our people
Our People Services team is at the centre of that ambition. We are guided by Be Leigh, our cultural framework that defines what every colleague should experience at the Trust, and we are now developing our next People Strategy, which will shape how we recruit, develop and retain our people through to 2030. This is a team with a clear sense of direction and senior leadership support to deliver it.
The role: This is a senior, varied and fast-moving role. You will manage the Employee Experience team, overseeing workload and casework, building capacity and being the person your People Advisors and Administrators turn to when they need support, guidance or a steer.
You will manage a complex caseload, support chairs at formal hearings, undertake and support investigations, lead on restructures, TUPE and redundancy, and provide expert advice and appropriate challenge to senior leaders. You will also play an active part in developing the team.
What we are looking for: You are an emotionally resilient, solutions-focused HR professional who puts colleague experience first. You possess the commercial acumen to advise at a senior level and the technical expertise to navigate complex employment law.
Why join us: This isn't a role where you will stand still. You will gain a varied, genuinely challenging portfolio with real autonomy in a massive, complex organisation. You are joining us at a pivotal moment as we build a world-class people function that directly impacts thousands of colleagues.
What we offer:
Competitive salary from £41,348 - £53,178 per annum, based on experience
Generous annual leave (25 days, increasing to 30 after 5 years' service + bank holidays)
Hybrid working
Local Government Pension Scheme
Enhanced Maternity Pay
Free on-site parking
Training and development opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme & 24/7 GP service
This is a full-time, hybrid role. You will work four days in the office or across your academy portfolio, with one day working from home. Your academies will be based across North West Kent and South East London.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 1st July 2026. For an informal discussion or to ask any questions, please contact Naomi Mercer, Deputy People Director, at naomi.mercer@latrust.org.uk.
Our People Services team is at the centre of that ambition. We are guided by Be Leigh, our cultural framework that defines what every colleague should experience at the Trust, and we are now developing our next People Strategy, which will shape how we recruit, develop and retain our people through to 2030. This is a team with a clear sense of direction and senior leadership support to deliver it.
The role: This is a senior, varied and fast-moving role. You will manage the Employee Experience team, overseeing workload and casework, building capacity and being the person your People Advisors and Administrators turn to when they need support, guidance or a steer.
You will manage a complex caseload, support chairs at formal hearings, undertake and support investigations, lead on restructures, TUPE and redundancy, and provide expert advice and appropriate challenge to senior leaders. You will also play an active part in developing the team.
What we are looking for: You are an emotionally resilient, solutions-focused HR professional who puts colleague experience first. You possess the commercial acumen to advise at a senior level and the technical expertise to navigate complex employment law.
Why join us: This isn't a role where you will stand still. You will gain a varied, genuinely challenging portfolio with real autonomy in a massive, complex organisation. You are joining us at a pivotal moment as we build a world-class people function that directly impacts thousands of colleagues.
What we offer:
Competitive salary from £41,348 - £53,178 per annum, based on experience
Generous annual leave (25 days, increasing to 30 after 5 years' service + bank holidays)
Hybrid working
Local Government Pension Scheme
Enhanced Maternity Pay
Free on-site parking
Training and development opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme & 24/7 GP service
This is a full-time, hybrid role. You will work four days in the office or across your academy portfolio, with one day working from home. Your academies will be based across North West Kent and South East London.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 1st July 2026. For an informal discussion or to ask any questions, please contact Naomi Mercer, Deputy People Director, at naomi.mercer@latrust.org.uk.