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- Tasks: Lead our HR team to shape workplace culture and drive organisational success.
- Company: Join Briarwood School, an OFSTED Outstanding Special School with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth phase as we open a new school in 2026.
- Qualifications: Significant senior HR experience and a passion for developing talent.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for inter-school collaboration and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, we are looking for someone who can lead our HR team to deliver our strategic aims. The best candidate for this role will be a visible and inspirational leader, with experience of leadership and management at this level as well as relevant professional qualifications. They will be able to build effective relationships across a network of stakeholders and deliver a HR partnering programme across our schools.
You will be a visible leader, who is strategic and people focused, passionate about shaping workplace culture whilst driving organisational success through its people. You thrive in environments where you can foster inclusivity, with a proven ability to work closely with Senior and Executive Leaders. You will be committed to developing talent, building strong and purpose driven relationships and culture across the School.
You will have significant senior HR experience, including a proven track record in an HR Management role, an excellent understanding of the education sector with extensive experience of developing effective HR systems, policies and procedures whilst leading on the reporting of workforce based data and providing strategic analysis for different audiences.
The role will build HR capability and capacity across our School to ensure the delivery of a high quality, efficient, and effective HR service. As a key member of our HR team, the postholder will deliver a professional, forward thinking, and comprehensive HR operational service. The role will provide proactive, practical, and high quality HR advice and support to Senior and Executive leaders, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, education sector requirements, policies, and best practice.
The postholder will enable strong, effective, and efficient people management, supporting organisational performance, workforce engagement, and positive employee relations across our School. The successful candidate will need to be able to travel between schools.
We are a cross-phase special school operating over 4 sites with 6 schools, supporting 200+ staff members and 220 pupils. We recognise the benefits of inter-school collaboration and the sharing of best practice to improve teaching, learning and ultimately attainment for all our children. Together we work as an innovative learning community. Our commitment to supporting and encouraging a love for lifelong learning for everyone extends to our whole community and we are proud of the way we are able to build relationships, creating opportunities for pupils and staff alike to thrive.
Briarwood School is committed to providing Equal Opportunities for its pupils and staff and safeguarding children. All employees must have an enhanced DBS clearance (this will be carried out by the school if you are successful).
This is a great opportunity for the right person to join the school at an exciting time in our development as an organisation as we grow to support pupils across the City; we are due to open the new school in September 2026.
HR Manager in Bristol employer: Briarwood School
Contact Detail:
Briarwood School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current HR professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for shaping workplace culture and developing talent. Share examples of how you've done this in the past – it’ll help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you’re applying through our website, make sure to highlight how your values and experience align with the role. Use specific examples from your career that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and drive organisational success.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email to show your appreciation. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and remind them of your interest in the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and professional!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for shaping workplace culture shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and lead our HR team, so share examples of your previous experiences that highlight your commitment to inclusivity and organisational success.
Align with Our Values: Make sure to connect your values and experiences with the points in the Person Specification. We’re looking for someone who truly understands our mission, so don’t hold back on showing how your background aligns with what we stand for at Briarwood School.
Be Specific and Strategic: In your Supporting Statement, be specific about your HR management experience and how it relates to the education sector. We love a strategic thinker, so include details about how you've developed effective HR systems and policies in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Briarwood School
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the school's mission. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've fostered inclusivity and shaped workplace culture in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership style and how it has positively impacted your teams. Think of instances where you’ve inspired others or built strong relationships with stakeholders, especially in a school or educational setting.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Brush up on current trends and challenges in the education sector, particularly those affecting HR. Being able to discuss these topics will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to developing effective HR systems tailored for schools.
✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement
Your supporting statement is crucial! Make sure it clearly highlights how your experience and skills meet each point in the Person Specification. Use concrete examples to illustrate your achievements and how they relate to the role.