Executive HR Lead

Windsor Academy Trust

Flexible (West Midlands)

  • Location Flexible (West Midlands)
  • Sector Education
  • Client Windsor Academy Trust
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration £62,853 - £69,154
  • Reference GSe127270
  • Closing Date 12pm, Monday 10th November 2025

Shape the Future of Education: Become Our Executive HR Lead

Windsor Academy Trust (WAT) is seeking an exceptional individual to join the Trust as its most senior and experienced HR professional.

This is a unique opportunity to lead on all Human Resources functions across a high-performing, values-driven multi-academy trust comprising 15 schools in the West Midlands. With over 1,200 staff and 10,000 students, WAT is committed to unlocking academic and personal potential for every learner.

You will act as trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Headteachers on all HR-related matters, demonstrating absolute expertise in HR and HR law, and leading on the strategic and operational delivery of all Human Resources functions across the Trust. You will ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations, providing expert guidance and leadership to the HR team and the wider organisation. Working as part of the Extended Executive Team, the Executive HR Lead will play a pivotal role in ensuring WAT maintains high-quality HR services, is an employer of choice and achieves positive and effective people management.

The role requires a visionary and ethical leader who is collaborative, courageous, and committed to social justice. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic and operational HR leadership, preferably within a multi-site or complex organisation. Experience in the education sector is essential. The successful applicant will be a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Headteachers, and will drive best practices across attraction and recruitment, progression and performance management, employee relations and compliance, data and insights, and lead initiatives that promote staff wellbeing, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

View a video where CEO Dawn Haywood introduces the role, and shares what makes WAT a special place to work, and the kind of inspiring leader we're looking for to help shape our futurehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb6efX1WcqE

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Jacqueline Lau at (Jacqueline.Lau@GatenbySanderson.com)

Informal conversations with Executive Leader, Claire Gething, are available prior to the closing date.

 

Windsor Academy Trust offers a dynamic and supportive working environment. Staff benefit from generous pension schemes, professional development through the WAT Talent Institute and the National Institute of Teaching Associate College, and a range of wellbeing and lifestyle benefits. These include an Employee Assistance Programme, cycle to work scheme, food and leisure discounts, and flexible working options.

Windsor Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.


 

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