Dudley Academies Trust is seeking a highly organised, systems-focussed and people-centred professional to lead our Transactional HR & Payroll Operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible difference in a role that underpins the employee experience for our passionate and dedicated staff across multiple academies. Working alongside the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Employee Relations, you’ll play a key role in delivering efficient, high-quality, and compliant HR and payroll services. You’ll champion improvements, streamline processes, and enhance our integrated HRIS (Every HR) while ensuring a seamless payroll and recruitment experience for over 700 staff. What You’ll Be Doing Lead the operational delivery of HR systems, payroll processes, and employee data compliance Manage the relationship with our outsourced payroll provider, ensuring accuracy and consistency Oversee recruitment operations, onboarding, absence tracking, and data reporting Line manage and develop a small, dynamic HR/payroll team Help shape the employee experience across the full lifecycle—supporting wellbeing, compliance, and growth Contribute to the strategic development of HR policies, systems and procedures across the Trust What We’re Looking For CIPD or payroll qualification Strong working knowledge of payroll, HR systems, and employment law Experience leading operational HR or payroll in a complex, multi-site setting Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal skills and data-handling expertise A proactive, collaborative mindset—able to drive positive change Why Join Us? Dudley Academies Trust is a values-driven, forward-thinking Trust, recognised by Ofsted for strong leadership across all our schools. You'll be joining a central team of experts dedicated to enabling schools to deliver outstanding education—backed by a culture of care, innovation, and continuous improvement. We offer: A generous benefits package, including wellbeing support, flexible working, and defined pension schemes Career pathways and leadership development Free parking, employee recognition, and wellbeing initiatives The chance to play a key part in shaping the future of HR services across our family of schools Ready to Apply? Apply online after via the Trust website to submit your application. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if there are enough applicants of sufficient quality. Shortlisting will take place promptly. Interviews will include a short presentation task and panel interview along with a formal interview. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, references and safer recruitment checks.