Interim Head of HR

Join Athena - Inspiring World-Class Education together! At Athena, we are a passionate and forward-looking educational organisation committed to providing world-class education and helping individuals lead great lives. Our core values of "Dream Big, Take Responsibility, and Be Kind" guide our mission to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where everyone can excel and grow. How to apply: If you are passionate about our values and dedicated to making a meaningful impact on education, we invite you to apply. Please complete the application form on My New Term and tell us about how you connect with our values of "Dream Big, Take Responsibility, and Be Kind" and what you feel you can contribute to our team and our goal to deliver world class education. To find out more, please contact Shirley Si Ahmed, chief finance and operations officer, at people@athenalearningtrust.uk Further information about Athena Learning Trust can be found at www.athenalearningtrust.uk. Who we are: Athena Learning Trust is a multi-academy trust with nine schools across Cornwall and Devon: three primary schools and six secondary schools, educating thousands of young people across two counties. Our shared service team sits at the heart of the trust, supporting schools to focus on what matters most: brilliant education. We are proud of what we have built and honest about the challenges we face. Right now, we are navigating a period of leadership transition and we need experienced, steady hands to help us keep the people function running well. The Opportunity: This is a fixed-term role, with the possibility of extension. We are not looking for someone to transform everything overnight. We are looking for an experienced HR leader who can step in, quickly get to grips with a complex multi-site organisation, and provide the kind of calm, confident leadership that keeps a team and a function running well under pressure. You will lead a small, committed people and HR team covering HR advisory support, casework, and payroll across all nine schools. You will manage a live portfolio of casework, support school principals on day-to-day HR matters, and work closely with the CFOO and interim trust leader. You will also oversee a payroll transition as a returning member of staff moves back into the team on a phased basis. The role is primarily remote, but this is not a desk job. You will need to travel regularly to our schools in Cornwall and Devon, and you will need to be the kind of person who builds relationships easily and quickly, because trust is everything in HR. What we are looking for: A senior HR professional with strong experience in employee relations, casework, and people leadership. CIPD level 5 or above, or equivalent professional experience. Experience working across multiple sites or in a complex organisation. Someone who is calm, organised, and trusted by the people they work with. Comfortable working independently and mana