At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR services across an academy cluster and manage a high-performing HR team.
- Company: Join a supportive and innovative educational environment focused on professional development.
- Benefits: Enjoy extra paid leave, excellent pension scheme, and access to a benefits platform.
- Other info: Collaborate with passionate colleagues and enjoy opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Shape a new role while making a real impact in education and HR.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or above with HR management experience required.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Cluster HR Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality HR services across an academy cluster. Working closely with the Executive Business Manager, Principals and HR colleagues, you will provide expert HR advice and ensure the effective management of all operational HR activities. This is an exciting opportunity for an HR professional who holds CIPD level 5 or above and who enjoys building strong relationships, leading a team and driving continuous improvement. As a newly created role, there is significant opportunity to shape and develop the position while supporting our academies to deliver outstanding outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Cluster HR team, providing coaching, mentoring and professional development to ensure a high-performing HR function.
- Provide expert HR advice and guidance to Principals, senior leaders and managers on employment matters, HR policies, procedures and employment legislation.
- Manage a range of employee relations casework, including disciplinary, grievance, capability, probation, performance management and absence management matters.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, contract variations and leaver processes across the academy cluster.
- Support and implement recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain high-quality staff.
- Maintain, monitor and audit the Single Central Record across all academies, ensuring compliance with safeguarding regulations.
- Produce, analyse and present HR reports, workforce data and key performance metrics to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement.
- Lead the administration of annual pay reviews and coordinate statutory workforce data returns and submissions.
- Support organisational change projects, consultations and restructuring activities where required.
- Keep up to date with developments in employment law, education guidance and HR best practice.
- Travel between academies within the cluster and other locations as required.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- CIPD Level 5 qualification (Associate Diploma in People Management).
- A minimum of three years' experience in an HR management role.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Proven experience managing a broad range of employee relations casework.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating an HR team.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and professionalism.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using HR data and reporting to support decision-making.
Desirable
- Experience working within the education sector, academy trust or Multi-Academy Trust environment.
- Experience supporting organisational change, consultation and restructuring processes.
- Knowledge of safeguarding requirements and the management of Single Central Records.
- Experience using HR information systems and workforce reporting tools.
- CIPD Level 7 qualification or commitment to further professional development.
Benefits
- An additional day's paid leave awarded each year.
- Access to an outstanding professional development programme.
- A respectful and supportive working environment.
- Friendly colleagues who are committed to each other's professional development and success.
- Opportunities to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Cluster and a wider network.
- Excellent employee benefits, including a highly sought-after pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
- Access to the Perkbox benefits platform.
- Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Apply now with a cover letter if you are looking for an exciting new opportunity.
HR Business Partner (School Cluster) in London employer: Amarval Partners Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner (School Cluster) in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Amarval Partners Ltd!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Amarval Partners Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner (School Cluster) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Amarval Partners Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Amarval Partners Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Amarval Partners Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Amarval Partners Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Amarval Partners Ltd
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Amarval Partners Ltd.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Amarval Partners Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Amarval Partners Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
