People Manager

People Manager

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to enhance staff and student experiences through strategic workforce management.
  • Company: Dynamic College Group focused on people and culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension schemes, holiday package, gym access, and discounted spa treatments.
  • Other info: Join a values-driven organisation committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, supportive environment while shaping organisational culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory roles, strong knowledge of employment law, and team leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated People Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality service across our College Group.

This is a key leadership role within the People function, combining strategic partnering with operational excellence and team leadership.

You will work closely with senior leaders and managers to shape workforce strategies that support our ambition, strengthen performance, and enhance the experience of both staff and students.

If you are passionate about people, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy balancing strategic influence with hands‑on delivery, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

As People Manager, you will

  • Lead and develop a team of people professionals, ensuring high performance, collaboration and continuous improvement
  • Partner with managers and senior leaders to design and deliver effective workforce and staffing strategies
  • Provide expert advice across employee relations, performance, absence management, recruitment and organisational change
  • Oversee complex casework, including disciplinary, grievance, capability and restructuring activity
  • Ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant application of HR policies and employment law
  • Support workforce planning, identifying trends, risks and opportunities to improve organisational effectiveness
  • Oversee contracts of employment, compliance and accurate people data management
  • Work closely with Payroll, Recruitment, CPD and external legal advisers to ensure seamless service delivery
  • Lead on attendance management and wellbeing interventions across allocated areas
  • Support and deliver organisational change programmes, including restructuring and consultation processes

We are looking for someone who brings

  • Proven experience in a senior advisory or business partnering role
  • Strong knowledge of employment law and employee relations case management
  • Experience of leading or supervising teams
  • Confidence working with senior leaders and influencing decision‑making
  • Ability to manage complex, sensitive and high‑risk cases
  • A proactive, solutions‑focused and people‑centred approach
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
  • Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK as we do not sponsor work permits, and work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.
  • A leadership role with real influence across a diverse College Group
  • The opportunity to shape workforce strategy and organisational culture
  • A supportive and collaborative People & Culture team
  • Continuous professional development opportunities
  • The chance to make a tangible difference to staff and student experience

A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything you do.

If you're ready to lead and influence in a values-driven, learner-focused organisation, we'd love to hear from you!

If this sounds like you and you will enjoy working in a forward thinking, friendly, fast paced, changing environment with state of the art facilities, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, as well as staff benefits.

  • choice of two excellent pension schemes
  • a brilliant holiday package
  • free onsite parking
  • access to our fully equipped gym
  • discounted in house Spa and Salon treatments
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

People Manager employer: College Group

At College Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As the Head of MIS & Data Governance, you will have access to professional development opportunities, ensuring your growth while contributing to the vital mission of enhancing educational outcomes. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a supportive environment where your expertise in data governance will be valued and impactful.

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Contact Details:

College Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land People Manager

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 College Group!

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 College Group.

We think you need these skills to ace People Manager

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Strategic Partnering
Operational Excellence
Employee Relations
Performance Management
Absence Management

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 College Group. 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 College Group 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 College Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to College Group'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 College Group

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 College Group.

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 College Group 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 College Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.