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- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-quality HR service in a growing specialist school.
- Company: Join an Ofsted Outstanding school with a focus on values and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on wellbeing, equality, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR in an exciting new school environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with significant HR experience, ideally in education.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Our Ofsted Outstanding specialist school, in partnership with Affinity Partnerships, is seeking an experienced and strategic HR Manager to lead and develop a high quality HR service across the school. This is a full time, permanent role, offering a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal part in a forward thinking and values driven organisation. The school is entering an exciting phase of growth, including the opening of a brand new school in South Bristol, making this an excellent time to join and help shape our people strategy as we continue to expand and evolve.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, the HR Manager will lead the HR Team (HR Officer and HR Administrators) and provide expert HR advice and leadership to the Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leaders and Governors.
The Role
As HR Manager, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of HR across the school, ensuring robust, legally compliant and people centred practices. You will play a key role in shaping the school's People Strategy, supporting leaders through complex employee relations matters, and championing safeguarding, wellbeing, equality and inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the delivery of a comprehensive and progressive HR service aligned with the school's vision and values
- Developing and implementing the school's People Strategy, including recruitment, retention, wellbeing and workforce planning
- Providing high quality professional HR advice to Governors, Executive and Senior Leaders on all people related matters
- Overseeing the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, induction, performance management, attendance, conduct, capability and exit processes
- Acting as the HR lead on complex employee relations cases, organisational change, restructures and TUPE activity
- Ensuring all HR policies, procedures and practices are legally compliant, up to date and reflective of best practice
- Leading, coaching and developing the HR Team to ensure a consistent and high quality service
- Managing relationships with trade unions and external HR related service providers
- Ensuring robust safeguarding and safer recruitment practices are embedded throughout all HR processes
- Using HR data and reporting to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement
- Supporting payroll accuracy and the effective management of HR systems and records
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a confident, reflective and values led HR professional who brings both strategic insight and operational credibility.
Essential:
- Chartered CIPD member (Level 5 or 7)
- Degree educated, with evidence of continued professional development
- Significant HR experience in a similar role, ideally within an education setting
- Strong employee relations experience, including complex casework and organisational change
- Excellent knowledge of employment law, safeguarding and HR best practice
- Proven experience of leading and developing an HR team
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
- Highly organised, emotionally resilient and able to manage competing priorities
Desirable:
- Experience of managing trade union relationships and collective bargaining
- Knowledge of education specific terms and conditions (e.g. Green Book, Burgundy Book, STPCD)
- Experience of wellbeing and mental health strategy implementation
Why Work with Affinity Partnerships?
- Competitive salary (Grade BG13: £47,181 - £50,269, dependent on experience)
- Opportunity to shape and lead HR strategy in a growing, specialist school environment
- Partnership with an Ofsted Outstanding setting known for exceptional support and care
- A collaborative, welcoming and highly professional leadership team
- Excellent opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
- A strong organisational focus on staff wellbeing, equality and inclusion
- The chance to be part of an exciting new chapter, including the launch of a new school site
The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, and the role includes regulated activity.
HR Manager employer: Affinity Workforce
Contact Detail:
Affinity Workforce Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around wellbeing and inclusion – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your strategic insights and operational successes in HR. Highlight your experience with complex employee relations and how you've led teams to success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager role. Highlight your strategic HR experience and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD membership. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the specific needs of our school.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our People Strategy. Be sure to mention any experience you have in education settings or with complex employee relations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an HR Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams or managed relationships with senior leaders and governors. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Workforce
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest HR trends, especially in education. Familiarise yourself with employment law and safeguarding practices, as these will be crucial in your role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an HR Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed others in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve influenced senior leaders or navigated complex employee relations cases.
✨Align with Their Values
This school is values-driven, so it’s important to demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their People Strategy and support their focus on wellbeing, equality, and inclusion.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about their current HR challenges or how they envision the new school impacting their HR strategy. It shows you're genuinely interested and thinking strategically about the role.