Harris Federation
Head of HR Operations
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Up to £85,000 depending on experience + Performance and Loyalty Bonus + Pension Scheme (LGPS) + Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan + Additional Harris Benefits
At Harris Federation, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. As we continue to modernise and strengthen our HR function, we are looking for an exceptional Head of HR Operations to lead improvement across our network and help shape the future of HR at Harris.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional who thrives on challenge, enjoys solving complex problems and is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our HR operations are efficient, effective and fit for the future, supporting nearly 60 academies and the colleagues who work within them.
Role Overview
As Head of HR Operations, you will:
- Lead the delivery of high-quality HR services
- Drive continuous improvement across key processes and systems
- Embed HR administration within our ERP platform and improve data quality
- Strengthen relationships with external providers
- Enhance the reporting relied upon by our academies
- Identify opportunities, deliver practical solutions and raise standards across the function
Alongside this operational leadership, you will help define what a modern HR service looks like at Harris. Working closely with senior leaders and HR colleagues across the Federation, you will contribute to the development of a proactive, high-performing HR function that delivers excellent service, supports organisational priorities and enables operational excellence.
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Key Requirements
We are looking for a strong people leader with deep technical HR expertise and experience of working within large, complex organisations. You will be equally comfortable managing operational detail, leading change and building strong relationships with stakeholders at every level. Most importantly, you will bring the energy, resilience and commitment needed to drive improvement and deliver results.
About Us
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
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Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
Important Information
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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