HR Lead in London

HR Lead in London

London Full-Time 44655 - 46545 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR functions, manage recruitment, and ensure compliance with statutory regulations.
  • Company: Join the outstanding Elthorne Park High School in Ealing, London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic educational setting.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a thriving school community while developing your HR skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR management and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

The predicted salary is between 44655 - 46545 £ per year.

Location: Ealing, London

Salary: Scale 11 - actual salary £44,655 - £46,545pa (pay award pending)

Contract: Full-time, Term-time (39 weeks plus 1 week, 35 hours per week)

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date so early applications are encouraged.

About Elthorne Park High School

Elthorne Park High School is a successful, significantly oversubscribed 11‑18 mixed school in Ealing with over 1,500 students, including 380 in the Sixth Form. In March 2025, Ofsted judged our school to be Outstanding. We have a clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Role

We are seeking a meticulous and proactive HR Lead to manage our school's human resources function. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, manage payroll accuracy, oversee staff recruitment and the appraisal of non‑teaching staff and line‑manage our Office Manager.

  • Maintain the SCR with absolute accuracy to guarantee total statutory compliance.
  • Oversee all recruitment processes including advertisements, shortlisting and interview day schedules.
  • Execute pre‑employment checks such as DBS, right to work, references and qualifications.
  • Ensure full compliance with statutory safer recruitment procedures.
  • Manage payroll data and collaborate with the School Business Manager (SBM) to verify salary payments.
  • Record all staff variations including salary changes, allowances, timesheets and annual leave.
  • Administer timesheets for peripatetic music tutors, exams invigilators and claims for other occasional and casual staff.
  • Resolve HR queries involving contracts, leave, salaries, pensions, hours and flexible working.
  • Onboard new starters and issue all necessary employment documentation.

A primary focus of this role is ensuring absolute compliance with statutory safer recruitment and Single Central Record (SCR) regulations.

How To Apply

For further information and an application form, please visit our website. Please forward your completed application forms to Ms Wendy Henderson, the Headteacher’s PA.

Start Date: July or September 2026

Closing Date: Midday Friday 26th June

HR Lead in London employer: Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

Elthorne Park High School is an outstanding employer located in the vibrant community of Ealing, London, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. As an HR Lead, you will play a crucial role in shaping our school's human resources function while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students. Join us in making a meaningful impact in education, where your contributions are valued and recognised.

Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

Contact Details:

Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HR Lead in London

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Research Elthorne Park High School, its values, and its culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that HR Lead role.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Practise your responses so you can confidently showcase your skills in managing HR functions and compliance.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so get your CV and cover letter polished and sent off as soon as possible!

We think you need these skills to ace HR Lead in London

HR Management
Payroll Management
Recruitment Processes
Statutory Compliance
Safer Recruitment Procedures
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the HR Lead role. We want to see how you can contribute to our school's success, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for the position.

Show Your Passion for Education:Let your enthusiasm for working in a school environment shine through! We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also genuinely cares about the welfare of students and staff alike. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this passion.

Apply Early!:Remember, we might interview and appoint before the closing date, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can – we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in HR policies and procedures, especially around safeguarding and compliance. Brush up on the latest statutory requirements for recruitment and payroll management, as these will likely come up during your chat.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage HR functions effectively. Think about times when you’ve successfully handled recruitment processes or resolved complex HR queries, as these will highlight your expertise.

Ask Smart Questions

Come armed with thoughtful questions about the school’s culture, HR challenges they face, and how you can contribute to their success. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework on Elthorne Park High School.

Be Personable and Professional

While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Building rapport with the interviewers can make a big difference, so be friendly and approachable while maintaining that professional edge.