At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to shape workforce strategies and enhance staff and student experiences.
- Company: East Surrey College and John Ruskin College, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension schemes, holiday package, gym access, and spa discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a fast-paced, friendly workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong knowledge of employment law, and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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
About you: 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
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in everything you do
Why Join us?
- 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
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 such as a choice of two excellent pension schemes, a brilliant holiday package, free onsite parking and access to our fully equipped gym along with discounted in house Spa and Salon treatments.
Applications will however be shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before this closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. As much as we would love to respond to all applicants, due to the sheer volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all unsuccessful candidates. If you have not heard from us within 14 days of sending your CV, unfortunately you have not been selected for the position and we would thank you for your interest.
Please refer to the attached Job Description, Person Specification and Competency Framework and apply using the button below.
Orbital South Colleges Group are committed to Equal Opportunities, encouraging applications from all sectors of the community to reflect our diverse student population. We are also committed to PREVENT and Safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Both College Campus’ are smoke-free zones.
As part of our pre-employment checks, successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS, references will be taken and evidence of all qualifications and awards will also be required before commencement of employment. Failure to do so may lead to offers being withdrawn.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People Manager in London
✨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 Festival of Work!
✨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.
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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 Festival of Work.
We think you need these skills to ace People Manager in London
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 Festival of Work. 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 Festival of Work 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 Festival of Work. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Festival of Work'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 Festival of Work
✨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 Festival of Work.
✨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 Festival of Work 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 Festival of Work and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
