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- Tasks: Provide high-impact HR support to schools, managing complex employee relations casework.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to improving public sector services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while building trusted relationships.
- Qualifications: CIPD qualified with experience in complex HR casework and education settings.
- Other info: Regular travel to schools and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30700 - 35300 £ per year.
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Hereford (school settings/office/remote working)
Salary: Hoople Band E £36,759 - £40,161 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 23 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
In return, 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.
Senior HR Advisor in Ross on Wye employer: Hoople Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hoople Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor in Ross on Wye
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Research their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common HR scenarios. Think about how you would handle complex casework or support senior leaders in high-pressure situations. Being prepared will boost your confidence and show your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the team dynamics, which can be super helpful when you're discussing your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Being calm, professional, and decisive is key in HR. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships and handled challenging situations in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor in Ross on Wye
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior 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! Include specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations or advised senior stakeholders. This is your chance to shine, so let us know how you can bring value to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and values while you're at it.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Recruitment Ltd
✨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 this role demands a strong grasp of these areas.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This position requires building trusted relationships with headteachers and senior leaders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging conversations or resolved conflicts in the past to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Scenarios
Since the role involves responding to live issues, think about potential scenarios you might face in schools. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills under pressure, as this will be crucial during the interview.
✨Flexibility is Key
Highlight your ability to adapt to changing environments and work autonomously. Share experiences where you've had to adjust your approach quickly, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you're the right fit for this dynamic role.
