At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategies and support schools in developing people solutions.
- Company: Award-winning education services business with 30 years of expertise.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, generous pension, flexible working, and tailored development programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be a people champion and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong people skills, and commercial thinking.
The predicted salary is between 46148 - 52809 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Lead HR Partner to join our HR team. We are an award-winning and accredited education services business with 30 years of expertise. We are a technology-enabled business, but people are at the heart of what we do. We believe in developing long-lasting relationships with our customers and employees, with our relationships lasting, on average, 11 years. We are 100% dedicated to education and our expert team of nearly 275 highly qualified employees support more than 2,500 schools nationwide.
Purpose of the role
Working in partnership with our school and their leaders you’ll contribute to the successful delivery of their people strategies. People and engagement will be at the heart of what you do. You’ll support our customers to build people solutions which meet business needs. This role is a people champion and facilitator of change, developing strong, credible relationships with our customers to influence and implement people plans that develop the business. Experience of leading, communicating, advising and consulting at executive level, and with trade unions, on large scale organisational change issues and policy development. You're as comfortable developing wide-reaching strategies of key institutional significance. You are quick to build relationships at all levels and are always proactive and positive in your approach. You love to work in a fast-paced environment with high levels of autonomy and are keen to really make your mark.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Demonstrate role modelling of, and be ambassador for, HR business partnering across the function / region.
- Develop a thorough understanding of how the EPM people services are commercially valuable for schools and how they can add value through our people related services.
- Researching the market, understanding customer requirements and analysing trends.
- Lead on the development and implementation of People services policies and processes.
- Ensuring that relevant regulatory, legal and statutory requirements are met while maintaining equality, diversity and inclusion as part of their DNA.
- Lead and mentor the HR Advisory team to provide advice and support on employee relations case management; identifying and mitigating risk to our customers.
- Deliver a high-performing and trusted Employee Relations service to all external partners, providing leaders with meaningful analytics to enable business improvement.
- Manage change initiatives and lead on organisational restructure.
Requirements
- Highly self-motivated, determined and directed.
- Commercial thinker.
- A self-starter with a proven ability to gain buy-in and deliver results that add value and fit with the brand values of the organisation.
- Strong people partner who can work collaboratively across teams.
- Experience working within Education or payroll / HR provider organisations an advantage.
- Commercial HR Business Partner experience.
- Coaching and staff mentoring / development.
Supporting information and working conditions
Homework base with working visits to Huntingdon and Darlington. Client site visits essential for on-site meetings. Full UK driving license. Occasional overnight stays are necessary for this role.
Other information
There are several reasons people have stayed with EPM for a number of years, we offer a wide range of benefits:
- 26 days annual leave + 8 days public holiday.
- A generous pension package.
- BUPA Cash Payment.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Cycle Scheme.
- Company events.
- Tailored learning and development programmes.
We offer an inclusive and open workplace. At EPM we have great career progression and learning and development courses along the way. We are all about supporting our staff and promoting people from within.
Lead HR Partner - Kent / Maidstone employer: EPM
EPM is an award-winning education services business that prioritises people at the heart of its operations, fostering long-lasting relationships with both customers and employees. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, we offer a supportive work culture enriched by flexible working arrangements, generous benefits, and tailored learning opportunities, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector. Our team thrives in a fast-paced environment, where autonomy and collaboration are key to driving successful people strategies across schools nationwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead HR Partner - Kent / Maidstone
✨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 EPM!
✨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 EPM.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead HR Partner - Kent / Maidstone
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 EPM. 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 EPM 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 EPM. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to EPM'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 EPM
✨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 EPM.
✨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 EPM 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 EPM and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
