Director of People & Culture
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
£68,365 – £73,216 / year
Salary
Within the market range
£52,900
Going rate
Offer clears by 1.3×
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1136 (97% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £52,900, and The Sir John Brunner Foundation is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1136 Human resource managers and directors Most likely code | £37,100 Clears | £42,300 Clears | £47,600 Clears | £52,900 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Role: Director of People & Culture
Salary: Grade 14 - SCP 48 to SCP 52 - £68,365 to £73,216 (FTE)
Contract type: Permanent, 37 hours per week, Full-year. Flexibility would be considered for the right candidate.
Reporting to: Chief Financial & Operations Officer
Start date: November 2026 / As soon as possible
About Us
This is an exciting time to join the Sir John Brunner Foundation as we prepare for a significant period of growth. Our Multi-Academy Trust currently educates more than 4,300 children and young people and employs over 450 professionals. We are due to welcome four primary academies into the Foundation on 1 November 2026, extending our educational provision from primary education through to sixth form.
Our mission is to enhance and advance students’ lives through the highest standards of education, underpinned by our values of Excellence, Belonging, and Partnership. Each academy operates at the heart of its local community, supported by the expertise and collaboration of the wider Foundation.
The Foundation currently incorporates:
- The County High School, Leftwich
- Middlewich High School
- Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College
- Macclesfield Academy
With a proud legacy of educational excellence dating back to 1557, we remain firmly focused on children and young people, providing an education that nurtures curiosity, confidence and joy in learning. Working with our communities, we create environments where every child feels valued, safe and supported to reach their potential.
This role is based at the Foundation’s Head Office on the Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College campus in Northwich, with travel to academies across the Foundation as required.
About the Role
As Director of People & Culture, you will shape a People and Culture strategy that supports our educational ambitions, values and continued growth and lead the Foundation’s HR function.
Reporting to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and specialist HR expertise to the Executive Team and academy leaders. You will lead on the effective performance of the HR/People and payroll service. As a key member of the Foundation central leadership team, you will contribute to the wider strategic aims and values.
The arrival of four primary academies presents an opportunity to help shape the next stage of the Foundation’s development. You will lead the people aspects of all organisational change, building relationships and supporting colleagues.
Your Responsibilities
- Delivery of the People and Culture Strategy across the Foundation, ensuring that all employees see the Foundation as a great place to work.
- Leading on the strategic and operational performance of the HR/People function and services, including payroll.
- Being a key member of the Foundation central leadership team and contributing to its wider strategic aims and values.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a strategic and collaborative HR leader who can translate organisational priorities into effective people practices and build trusted relationships across the Foundation.
You will bring:
- A recognised HR qualification, preferably MCIPD/FCIPD, or relevant degree.
- A proven track record of successful HR leadership in complex organisations.
- A deep understanding of people management issues.
- Experience of leading organisational change, including TUPE procedures.
- The ability to think strategically, provide sound professional advice and communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- An understanding of the education environment and safeguarding requirements, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Experience of HR within education and working with trade union representatives would be advantageous.
Above all, you will share our commitment to Excellence, Belonging, and Partnership, recognising the contribution that effective people leadership makes to the education and wellbeing of children and young people.
Closing Date: 02 November 2026, 9am
Interview Date: Tuesday 10November 2026
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Director of People & Culture role, please complete the application form. You are strongly encouraged to get your application form submitted at the earliest opportunity, as we reserve the right to close our adverts earlier than advertised where sufficient applications have been received.
If you would like to talk to us about the role before applying, please contact Kathryn McBurnie, CFOO on 01606 664900 and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.
The Sir John Brunner Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant must have enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references. The Sir John Brunner Foundation is an equal opportunities employer.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with The Sir John Brunner Foundation, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Human resource managers and directors (SOC 1136) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~170k in sample- Offer £68,365–73,216
- Middle half £44,564–77,220
- Median £58,812
- Going rate £52,900
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £37,100–47,600
The range sits inside the market's middle half (£44,564–77,220), so this is typical pay for the occupation.
Similar sponsored roles
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Browse more sponsored jobs at The Sir John Brunner FoundationAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. The Sir John Brunner Foundation holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1136 going rate of £52,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.