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- Tasks: Lead recruitment and HR for a growing education charity, shaping people strategy.
- Company: Join Ark Start, a dynamic charity focused on excellent early years education and affordable childcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, remote options, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while thriving in a fast-paced, purpose-driven culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 qualified with 5+ years in HR, strong communication skills, and a passion for social justice.
- Other info: This role requires in-person work 3-4 days a week and involves an enhanced DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Are you an ambitious recruitment and HR professional with a passion for working in the not for profit sector? Would you like to work for an exciting and fast growing education charity, where you will lead on all recruitment and people duties?
Ark Start is a growing start-up nursery venture within the Ark charity. Their mission is to ensure that every child has access to excellent early years education, and that families benefit from flexible and affordable childcare. They currently have 5 nurseries and have ambitious plans to expand to at least 12 over the next two years. Ark Start is building a dynamic, purpose-driven team to deliver on this vision. They currently have around 50 employees working across the sites.
To support this growth, Ark Start is seeking an experienced and passionate Recruitment and People Manager to lead on recruitment, talent, HR and organisational development. This is a unique opportunity for a values led HR professional to shape the people strategy of a high-impact, fast-paced start-up while being supported by the wider Ark People Team.
The organisation is located in White City, with the nurseries based across London. Ark offers flexible working hours, including core hours and some remote working. The role will require someone who will prioritise in-person working, meaning being able to work from the office and their nursery sites 3-4 days per week.
Reporting into the Operations Director, some of the key responsibilities of this exciting permanent role include:
- Leading the end-to-end recruitment and onboarding for all nursery-based roles
- Developing and implementing effective talent attraction strategies
- Building partnerships with external organisations to support candidate pipelines
- Supporting staff induction, probation, and performance processes
- Maintaining and updating HR policies, systems, and procedures
- Providing first-line support on HR queries and employee relations matters
- Overseeing monthly payroll checks in line with policies
- Promoting a positive, inclusive workplace culture
- Using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement in recruitment and people practices
- Providing HR metrics and insights to support leadership decision-making
The ideal candidate will be CIPD Level 5 qualified (or equivalent) with at least five years’ experience in HR, including recruitment and employee relations. This could suit someone in a standalone HR role within a small charity or a recruitment-focused position, looking to broaden their experience across a wider HR remit. You will have a strong understanding of employment law and best practice, alongside excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
A passion for social justice and early years education is essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growing environment. Integrity, ambition and resilience are key to match the pace and exciting aspirations of Ark Start, where initiative and enterprise are highly prized and rewarded.
The interview process will consist of two stages, and this post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and is an equal opportunities employer.
For more information on this unique and interesting role, please get in touch.
Recruitment and People Manager employer: Allen Lane
Contact Detail:
Allen Lane Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recruitment and People Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ark Start's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to early years education and social justice will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your passion for the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the not-for-profit sector, especially those involved in HR and recruitment. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led recruitment processes in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing talent attraction strategies and building partnerships, as these are key responsibilities for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in HR and recruitment within the charity sector. Being knowledgeable about best practices and innovative approaches will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and your readiness to contribute to Ark Start's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Recruitment and People Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in recruitment and HR, particularly within the not-for-profit sector. Emphasise your achievements and how they align with Ark Start's mission of providing excellent early years education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social justice and early years education. Explain why you are drawn to Ark Start and how your values align with their mission. Be specific about how your skills can contribute to their growth.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) and any other relevant certifications. Mention your experience in HR, recruitment, and employee relations, as these are key requirements for the role.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication and stakeholder management skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in fast-paced environments, demonstrating your integrity, ambition, and resilience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for early years education and the not-for-profit sector. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to social justice and how they align with Ark Start's mission.
✨Demonstrate Your HR Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in recruitment and employee relations in detail. Highlight specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that have led to successful talent acquisition and retention, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle HR challenges. Think of examples from your past where you successfully navigated complex situations, such as resolving employee disputes or improving onboarding processes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Ark Start's culture, growth plans, and how they measure success in their recruitment efforts. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
