Job Introduction
Executive Director of People
HISP Multi Academy Trust
📍 Hybrid - Central Office is based at Thornden School (Chandlers Ford)
💰 £90,000 – £100,000 | 🕒 Full Time | 📄 Permanent
At HISP, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
HISP Multi Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team as Executive Director of People.
At HISP we believe that putting pupils first is the foundation of an exceptional education. Guided by our values of excellence, ambition, courage, sustainability and equity, we are committed to creating a culture where both colleagues and pupils can thrive.
This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape a Trust-wide People strategy at a pivotal stage of growth. You will play a key role in strengthening our culture, developing our people and ensuring we remain an inclusive, high-performing organisation grounded in strong moral purpose.
About the role
Reporting to the CEO, you will:
- Lead a forward-thinking, values-led People Strategy that enables excellence and improved outcomes for all pupils
- Develop a high-quality, responsive People/HR function that supports schools and colleagues to thrive
- Provide trusted strategic advice to the CEO, Board and Executive Team, grounded in integrity and sound judgement
- Drive recruitment, development and retention strategies, building a workforce aligned to our ambition and values
- Lead organisational change with courage and collaboration, ensuring sustainable growth across the Trust
- Oversee complex employee relations with professionalism, fairness and a strong commitment to equity
- Champion inclusion, wellbeing and a culture where all staff feel valued and supported
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to the wider strategic direction, governance and long-term sustainability of the Trust.
About you
We are looking for a collaborative and strategic leader whose values align to ours bringing:
- Significant senior leadership experience leading a People/HR function.
- Proven experience across multi-site organisations.
- Strong track record in organisational change, culture and team leadership.
- Comprehensive and current knowledge of employment law and its practical application.
- Experience managing complex employee relations and union engagement.
- Expertise in workforce planning, HR systems and budgeting.
You will be:
- A strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear, actionable plans
- An effective communicator, building strong and trusted relationships across all levels
- A collaborative leader, able to influence and drive change with integrity and courage
- Well-informed and proactive in keeping abreast of developments within the education sector
- Values-driven, demonstrating professionalism, sound judgement and a strong moral purpose
- Organised and analytical, using data and insight to inform decision-making
- Committed to equity, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people
Above all, you will champion our values—placing pupils first, striving for excellence, acting with ambition and courage, and ensuring sustainable, equitable outcomes for all.
About HISP Multi Academy Trust
We are a growing, values-led Trust united by a shared moral purpose: to transform lives through education. Our schools retain their unique identities but collaborate closely through Trust-wide networks spanning teaching, safeguarding, inclusion and leadership. We believe in stewardship—taking collective responsibility for the long-term success of our people, schools and communities.
By joining HISP, you will be part of an organisation that:
- Invests in its people
- Champions principled leadership
- Believes in the power of collaboration
- Is committed to sustainable, thoughtful growth
What we offer
- Generous annual leave and flexible working
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
Apply
For an informal discussion, contact Amanda Parry, CEO: a.parry@hispmat.org
A full candidate information pack, job description and candidate profile can be found on the HISP website (www.hispmat.org/vacancies)
To apply:
- Complete the Support Staff Application Form via the HISP website
- Submit to: HR@hispmat.org
🗓 Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 15 April 2026
📅 Interviews: Week commencing 20 April 2026
We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy sooner if sufficient applications are received.
We will not be accepting applications from agencies, and CV’s or incomplete application forms will not be considered.
Safeguarding
HISP Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
