At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR operations, manage recruitment, and support staff wellbeing in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Ernest Bevin Academy, part of a supportive and ambitious education network.
- Benefits: Flexible working, ongoing professional development, and access to a nationwide HR community.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and collaboration within a large, respected HR network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while advancing your HR career with expert support.
- Qualifications: Substantial HR experience, strong knowledge of employment law, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Join our team as HR Manager. We are seeking an experienced HR professional to join our ambitious secondary school, Ernest Bevin Academy, as our dedicated HR Manager. Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Working for us, you'll enjoy building strong relationships with leaders and staff and taking ownership of a broad and varied HR function. You'll need to be adaptable, resilient and comfortable managing competing priorities, as this is a role where plans can change quickly and every day brings something different.
As the school's HR Manager, you will be the go-to HR professional on site, working closely with senior leaders to deliver an excellent HR service. You will have genuine autonomy to manage HR operations across the school while playing a key role in recruitment, payroll administration, safeguarding compliance, employee wellbeing, absence management, workforce planning and HR processes. Whilst you will lead HR within the school, you won't be working alone. As part of a cluster of schools, you will receive support and guidance from an Executive Business Manager, HR Business Partner and wider central HR team, giving you access to expert advice on more complex employee relations matters and employment law issues, if needed.
Why join us? This role offers the best of both worlds: the opportunity to make a visible impact within a school community while being part of a large, supportive and highly regarded HR network. You will benefit from:
- Being the dedicated HR lead for the school
- Support from HR Business Partner and wider central HR team
- Network with other HR practitioners across the country in other United Learning schools and opportunities to collaborate
- Annual HR Conference featuring external speakers and experts
- Regular trust wide HR community calls and training
- Regional HR networking and development each term
- Ongoing professional development and employment law updates
- A workplace that considers flexible working requests on an individual basis
What we're looking for: We're looking for someone who:
- Has substantial HR experience in a busy operational environment
- Enjoys building trusted relationships with managers and leaders
- Thrives in a fast-paced setting where priorities can change quickly
- Is confident managing recruitment, interviews, onboarding, absence management and HR processes
- Has strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practice
- Can balance attention to detail with a pragmatic, solutions focused approach
- Wants to continue developing their HR career with a supportive and ambitious organisation
School experience would be advantageous but is not essential. We welcome applications from HR professionals who are looking to bring their expertise into education for the first time.
If you're an experienced HR professional looking for a role with autonomy, variety, challenge and excellent professional support, we'd love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in a school environment while developing your career within one of the UK's largest and most successful education groups.
If you want to discuss this role further, please contact Ian.Ilett@unitedlearning.org.uk.
HR Manager employer: Ernest Bevin Academy
Ernest Bevin Academy is an exceptional employer that values the contributions of its staff and fosters a supportive work culture. Located in Greater London, the academy offers numerous professional development opportunities, ensuring that employees can grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. With a commitment to excellence in education and a collaborative environment, joining our team means being part of a community dedicated to nurturing future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR 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 Ernest Bevin Academy!
✨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 Ernest Bevin Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager
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 Ernest Bevin Academy. 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 Ernest Bevin Academy 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 Ernest Bevin Academy. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ernest Bevin Academy'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 Ernest Bevin Academy
✨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 Ernest Bevin Academy.
✨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 Ernest Bevin Academy 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 Ernest Bevin Academy and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
