Head of People

Location:

Merrion Way, Leeds LS1 1UR
, UKSalary: 59,513 - 62,253 per year Employment:
Full time Category: HRPosted:
Valid to:
Apply:  Leeds City Council Job title and organisation:
Head of People - East SILC Salary:
Director  - 62,253

Hours:

37

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

East SILCClosing Date and Time:
Sunday 1 November 2026 Lead People Strategy at One of the Region’s Most Ambitious Specialist Settings East Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) is a large, complex 2–19 generic special school with 470 learners on roll. We operate across multiple sites and deliver a wide range of specialist services across the city, including partnerships with mainstream schools, the city-wide Physical Difficulties and Medical Service, and the Medical Needs Teaching Service for Leeds.

Exceptional Education for Exceptional Lives sits at the heart of everything we do. This is a rare opportunity to join a highly ambitious, values-led organisation and play a pivotal strategic role in shaping workforce culture, capacity and long-term sustainability across a complex SEND environment. As Head of People, you will directly influence outcomes for children, families and staff across our organisation and the wider system.

What Makes This Role Different?

You will lead and deliver workforce strategy across a complex, multi-site, city-wide SEND organisation—not a single-setting model

You will operate at the intersection of education, health and care, influencing system-wide practice You will shape not only staffing structures, but the lived experience of learners with complex needs

You will work directly with, and provide expert, credible advice to an experienced Executive Principal and Governing Board, with genuine strategic influence This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious senior HR leader seeking to make a meaningful and measurable impact. Our Values At East SILC, our work is underpinned by our core values of:
Kindness | Integrity | Ambition | Collective Responsibility As Head of People, you will play a central role in embedding these values across all aspects of workforce practice, culture and leadership. The Opportunity This is a high-impact strategic leadership role where you will:
Drive sustainable recruitment and retention in a challenging labour market Use workforce data and insight to shape strategic decision-making and organisational improvement

Shape and embed a values-led, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture

You will lead the People function with significant autonomy, influencing workforce sustainability, staff experience and organisational performance ut You We are seeking a strategic and values-led people leader who thrives in complex environments and is motivated by making a tangible difference. You will:
Bring substantial experience of senior HR/People leadership within a complex organisation Hold CIPD Level 7 (or equivalent) with strong employment law expertise Demonstrate a proven track record of delivering workforce strategy and organisational change

Be highly analytical, using data to drive insight-led decision-making

Build credibility and trust with leaders, staff, unions and external partners

Lead with integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding

Leadership or executive‑level professional development would be desirable. Why Join East SILC?

Strategic Influence and ImpactA genuine opportunity to shape workforce strategy across a high-profile, values-led SEND organisation Direct influence on organisational direction and long-term sustainability Close working with senior leaders and governors A Strong Wellbeing Offer Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme Access to independent wellbeing support through the Schools Advisory Service A wide…