Executive Director of People – Northern Lights Academy Trust

Permanent position required as soon as possible. The role is based at the Northern Lights Central Office at Seaham and will serve all of the Trust’s sites. Salary: £58,946 – £64,997 per annum, starting point negotiable in relation to experience. Hours: 37 hours per week, all year round. Working weeks and days are negotiable for the right candidate. Benefits: 25 days + bank holidays per year, Green Book Pay and Conditions.

The Trust is seeking a dynamic leader who understands the value and power of proactive HR and who wants to make a difference to the lives of our staff and children. The ideal candidate will deliver strategically on HR across Northern Lights and play a key role in the Trust as a member of the Executive team.

Our Trust values underpin our vision and mission: “That everyone flourishes, with children and young people at the heart of all we do”. This role will be central to advancing that vision.

• Deliver high‑quality HR services to around 600 staff across the Trust’s schools, with this figure projected to rise with planned growth.
• Lead the Trust’s people strategy and maintain a people‑centred culture.
• Collaborate with the Executive team to align HR initiatives with the Trust’s strategic objectives.

If you are looking to join a people‑centred Trust and play a key role in the region, please contact the CEO, Jo Heaton, OBE at recruitment@nllt.co.uk for a conversation.

We would really welcome your application.