Chief People Officer

Shape the culture and capability of a growing, multi-site education group.

TEC Partnership is a dynamic, innovative group of further and higher education colleges and training providers. It is made up of four colleges, two training providers, a 14–16 school and a nursery, and stretches from Scarborough in the north to Skegness in the south. The Partnership serves more than 15,000 students and over 2,500 employers. It covers three Local Skills Improvement Plan areas and works with a wide range of local authorities.

The group includes Grimsby Institute, University Centre Grimsby, The Academy Grimsby, East Riding College (Beverley and Bridlington), Scarborough TEC, Skegness TEC, Little Stars Nursery and National Employer Training. Together they deliver further education, higher education and apprenticeship programmes in a sector that is always changing.

TEC Partnership is at a very exciting point in its development. As Chief People Officer, you will report directly to the CEO and sit on the Executive Leadership Team. You will lead every part of the people strategy, from culture transformation and employee engagement to compliance and operational excellence. You will oversee HR, Learning and Development, Health and Safety, and Wellbeing, and make sure the people strategy supports the Partnership’s mission to enrich lives and deliver outstanding education.

You will lead a team of 17 HR professionals through two Executive Directors: one for People & Culture and one for Health & Safety. Your remit covers People & Culture, Payroll, Health & Safety and Staff Development.

You will:

• Design and implement a people strategy that supports TEC Partnership’s ambitious goals and values.
• Provide visionary leadership to embed systems-driven, measurable HR practices that drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the board, shaping decisions on all people-related matters.
• Champion a positive, inclusive, high-performing workplace culture.
• Strengthen employee engagement through innovative programmes, so that all staff feel valued and connected.
• Address challenges proactively, building trust and credibility at every level of the organisation.
• Work with the marketing team so that internal and external communications reflect the people strategy.
• Reinstate and strengthen the Learning and Development function, creating pathways for staff development and career progression.
• Make sure onboarding programmes immerse new hires in TEC Partnership’s values and ambitions.
• Oversee wellbeing, benefits and payroll, keeping them effective, competitive and fair.
• Work with Finance to keep payroll operations streamlined and efficient.
• Lead the Health and Safety function, ensuring a safe and legally compliant working environment.
• Embed a culture of compliance through a robust Health and Safety framework that follows best practice and legislation.
• Inspire and mentor a team of 17 HR professionals, encouraging collaboration and high performance.
• Build an environment of innovation, accountability and professional growth within the HR team.
• Make sure your areas achieve their budgets, and follow the Group’s financial regulations at all times.

We are looking for an experienced, strategic people leader who has delivered cultural change in a complex, multi-entity organisation. You will think in systems and focus on results. You will influence confidently at board level and care about people and organisational development.

You will be confident across:

• Employment law, including equality and diversity legislation
• Health and safety regulations
• Culture transformation and employee engagement
• Communication strategies across a large organisation
• Leading Learning and Development functions
• Integrating operational processes, including payroll and benefits

You will need:

• Proven success as a Chief People Officer, HR Director or equivalent in a multi-entity organisation
• Level 7 CIPD qualification
• A degree and/or professional qualification
• Level 2/GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
• A strong track record in cultural transformation, employee engagement and compliance
• Experience of working in an educational environment
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, written and verbal
• Empathy, integrity and resilience, with the ability to handle challenges and inspire innovation

• 37 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 5 Christmas closure days
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Enhanced occupational sick pay and maternity/adoption pay
• Flexible working from day one
• In-house Occupational Health Nurse, Mental Health First Aiders and a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured)
• Westfield Health medical and UNUM dental cash plans, free eye tests and flu vaccinations
• Wellness Day, Community Day, long service awards and on-campus staff discounts
• Cycle to Work, childcare vouchers, saving schemes and non-contributory life assurance

Safeguarding

TEC Partnership is committed to the Prevent Duty, to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to promoting British Values in the workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Safeguarding is a priority, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share our commitment to the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This appointment is subject to a DBS check.

TEC Partnership’s vision is to enrich lives through excellent education, community collaboration and employment opportunities. Its mission is to provide inclusive education that inspires, equips and empowers.

Everything we do is guided by our values:

• Respect
• Ambition
• Inclusiveness
• Sustainability

Outstanding learner success is our number one priority. We are committed to a high-performing culture built on accountability and ownership in a safe environment, and to a strong reputation that our learners, staff and stakeholders trust.