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- Tasks: Lead HR operations, manage employee relations, and oversee recruitment in a school setting.
- Company: Join a respected educational organisation that values transparency and strong relationships.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous leave, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified with HR management experience, preferably in education.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a team and contribute to a community-focused mission.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 49000 £ per year.
A respected organisation within the Education sector, this school is part of a wider multi-academy trust and provides a dynamic and structured environment for both students and staff. They believe in open communication and transparency, building trust and fostering strong relationships with employees and the wider school community.
A permanent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to lead and manage the daily operations of the HR function within a school setting. The role will support senior leadership and be responsible for overseeing the HR team and reception, managing all HR administration in line with statutory and trust-wide policies.
Duties will include:
- Managing the full range of HR employee relations, including grievances, disciplinaries, investigations, and restructures.
- Advising senior leadership on performance management and complex HR matters.
- Overseeing recruitment and selection, from job adverts through to appointment, ensuring compliance with safer recruitment standards.
- Managing the induction and probation processes, including ongoing review and development of procedures.
- Monitoring absence data, conducting meetings, and referring to Occupational Health where necessary.
- Leading payroll administration in collaboration with finance, including pay changes, increments, and reconciliation.
- Maintaining and auditing statutory records including the Single Central Record and Training Logs.
- Completing the annual staff workforce census in line with statutory requirements.
- Leading a team including HR staff and the reception team, ensuring high-quality front-of-house service and HR support.
The ideal candidate will be CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent) with a strong background in HR management, preferably within education. They must demonstrate up-to-date employment law knowledge, excellent communication and influencing skills, and proven experience in handling employee relations matters. A calm, professional approach and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential.
You’ll be joining a supportive and well-structured environment within a growing educational trust that values professional development and offers a meaningful role supporting staff and students. You will benefit from generous annual leave, a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and the opportunity to make a real impact in a community-focused setting.
Human Resources Operations Manager employer: Wade Macdonald
Contact Detail:
Wade Macdonald Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR policies and practices within the education sector. Understanding the nuances of HR operations in a school setting will give you an edge during interviews, as you'll be able to speak directly to the challenges and requirements of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former HR professionals in educational institutions. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and help you understand what the organisation values most in their HR Operations Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with employee relations, particularly in handling grievances and disciplinaries. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your calm and professional approach to managing sensitive situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of employment law and how it applies to the education sector. Being able to articulate recent changes or trends in employment legislation will highlight your expertise and commitment to staying informed in your field.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant HR experience, particularly in education. Emphasise your CIPD Level 5 qualification and any specific achievements in employee relations or recruitment that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the organisation. Mention your experience in managing HR operations and how you can contribute to fostering strong relationships within the school community.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as communication, influencing, and handling complex HR matters. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an HR role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wade Macdonald
✨Know Your HR Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices, especially those relevant to the education sector. Being able to discuss recent changes or trends in HR will show that you're proactive and well-informed.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a potential HR Operations Manager, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed conflicts, or improved processes in previous roles. This will help illustrate your capability to oversee the HR team effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle a specific employee relations issue or manage a complex recruitment process. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in HR. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders, from senior leadership to staff members. Highlighting your ability to foster open communication will align with the organisation's values.
