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- Tasks: Provide high-impact HR support to schools and handle complex employee relations.
- Company: Join a supportive HR team making a real difference in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave options.
- Why this job: Be visible and trusted while impacting schools and communities directly.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified or equivalent experience with strong HR casework skills.
- Other info: Regular travel to schools and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 35000 ÂŁ per year.
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Hereford (school settings/office/remote working)
Salary: Hoople Band E ÂŁ36,759 - ÂŁ40,161 based on 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 8th February 2026
Some HR roles sit behind a desk - this one is where decisions get made, conversations matter, and schools need you in the room! We are keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate the capability to apply their HR expertise in this setting. We are looking for an experienced Senior HR professional to deliver high-impact, solution-focused HR support to schools, academies and education settings across Herefordshire.
This is a hands-on, visible role for an HR professional who is confident handling complex employee relations casework and building trusted relationships with headteachers, governors and senior leaders.
What makes this role different
This is not a purely remote advisory role and it is not predictable week to week. You will be out in schools regularly, sometimes at short notice, responding to live issues where your judgement, credibility and calm approach really count. There is an expectation you will be based in the office or on school sites around 2–3 days per week on average. Some weeks will require daily presence in schools or the office to meet customer demand. Other weeks will allow for some home working, the wider HR and payroll teams are always in the office on a Wednesday which enables collaborative working. If you enjoy being visible, trusted and relied upon, this is a role for you.
The role
You will provide a high-quality HR advisory service across the full employee lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on complex and sensitive casework. This includes acting as the lead HR advisor in formal processes and supporting leaders to make sound, lawful and pragmatic decisions.
Your Work Will Include
- Managing complex HR casework including disciplinary, grievance, capability, absence, redundancy and TUPE
- Advising and supporting headteachers, governors and senior leaders in high-pressure situations, often on site
- Acting as investigating officer where required, including report writing and recommendations
- Advising on education-specific terms and conditions, policies and statutory frameworks
- Supporting organisational change and consultation processes, including trade union engagement
- Leading the development and review of school HR policies and procedures
- Designing and delivering HR training to schools and other clients
- Building strong, credible relationships that support both excellent service delivery and future business opportunities
You will work largely autonomously, using your professional judgement while being supported by an experienced HR management team.
About You
You are an experienced HR professional who is comfortable operating at pace, under pressure, and in complex environments.
You Will Bring
- Significant experience of managing complex HR casework end to end
- Strong working knowledge of employment law and its practical application
- Confidence advising senior stakeholders and influencing decisions
- Experience working in unionised environments and handling consultations
- The ability to remain calm, professional and decisive in challenging situations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A flexible, solutions-focused approach to work
Experience working with schools or education settings and knowledge of education-specific frameworks (such as Burgundy Book, Green Book, STPCD, School Staffing Regulations) is highly desirable, but we are also keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate the capability to apply their HR expertise in this setting. You will be fully CIPD qualified or able to demonstrate equivalent experience and ongoing professional development.
Travel and flexibility
This role requires regular travel to school sites across Herefordshire, sometimes at short notice. You must be able to travel independently for business purposes. Occasional evening work may be required to support customers.
What We Offer
- A varied role with real impact on schools and communities
- A supportive HR team environment
- Flexible working arrangements that balance business need and home working
- A competitive benefits package including 26 days annual leave rising to 31 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays (including the option to buy or sell holidays)
- Aviva pension scheme, cycle to work scheme and access to a rewards platform offering various discounts with retailers and restaurants
We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme;
- Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details of this role.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must apply online for this vacancy.
About Us
Our vision: To provide excellent business support services to the public sector and those who work with them.
Our mission: Creating and building trusted and sustainable relationships in order to deliver business critical services for our key customers.
Our values:
- Passion for improvement - Continuous improvement to develop more effective ways of delivering services for our customers
- Customer focus - Satisfying our customers and helping them to support themselves
- Professional integrity - Bringing the best of our shared technical expertise and professional values to our work
- Mutual support - Whether one-to-one or in teams, we encourage and support each other to strive for excellent performance in all that we do
Senior Schools HR Advisor in Hereford employer: Hoople Group
Contact Detail:
Hoople Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Schools HR Advisor in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the schools in your area! Visit them, chat with staff, and understand their unique challenges. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest in their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local education events or HR meet-ups. Building relationships with headteachers and governors can give you a leg up when it comes to landing that Senior Schools HR Advisor role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific casework examples and how you've handled complex situations. This is your chance to shine and prove you're the right fit for the job!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Schools HR Advisor in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Schools HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience with complex HR casework and your ability to build relationships in educational settings. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your HR expertise! Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've handled challenging situations, especially in schools or similar environments. This will help us see your capability in action.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Remember, we’re looking for clarity in communication, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Group
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment law and education-specific frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in complex situations, as the role requires a strong understanding of these areas.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about building relationships with headteachers and senior leaders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations and influenced decisions in the past. Your ability to communicate effectively will be key!
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Scenarios
Since the job involves responding to live issues, think about potential scenarios you might face in schools. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these situations, as they’ll want to see how you handle pressure.
✨Flexibility is Key
Demonstrate your willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Share experiences where you've had to be flexible in your approach, whether it’s adjusting your schedule for school visits or handling unexpected challenges in casework.
