HR Manager in Cambridge

Job Description

Hours: Monday to Friday 40 hours a week, 8am-4pm, 52 weeks

Start date: November 2026

Your new school

Gretton School welcomes autistic children and young people aged from 5-19 years old, as weekly boarders or as day learners.

Every learner at Gretton has a diagnosis of Autism, and the ability to learn at or above the level of their mainstream peers, but require a specialist setting in order to achieve their remarkable potential.

As autism specialists, we understand that consistent daily routines and staffing helps to keep anxiety at a minimum and ensures that our learners feel safe and confident in their surroundings.

We have a high staff to learner ratio and classes are small and personal - we know each of our learners really well and employ the best strategies to support them in their everyday school life.

A broad curriculum, an emphasis on holistic development, and the development of life and social skills, means that we are able to bring out the best in all our learners, and to provide them with opportunities to flourish.

At whatever stage a young person joins Gretton, we will ensure they are happy and prepared to make the most of the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life.

Your new role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Manager to lead the day-to-day HR function across our school sites.

This is a varied role covering the full employee lifecycle, providing expert HR guidance to managers and senior leaders while ensuring compliance with employment legislation, safeguarding requirements and safer recruitment practices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading recruitment, onboarding and safer recruitment processes
• Managing employee relations matters, including investigations, grievances and disciplinary cases
• Overseeing absence management, family leave and occupational health referrals
• Maintaining HR records and the Single Central Register
• Managing induction, probation and performance management processes
• Reviewing and developing HR policies and procedures
• Supporting payroll administration and HR reporting
• Managing and developing the HR Administrator
• Coordinating staff training, development and wellbeing initiatives
• Providing practical HR advice to managers and employees

You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and external HR advisers to ensure the school continues to deliver effective, compliant and people-focused HR practices.

What you'll need to succeed

You will hold a Level 5 CIPD qualification with Associate or Chartered CIPD membership and have substantial HR management experience.

You will also bring:

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience managing employee relations casework
• Experience leading HR teams and functions
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• The ability to analyse HR data and produce reports
• Confidence working with senior leaders and advising on complex HR matters
• Strong IT skills, including HR systems and databases
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Previous HR experience within education would be advantageous but is not essential.

What you'll get in return

You will receive a salary of £40,000-£45,000, depending on experience and qualifications, alongside the opportunity to lead and develop HR services within a highly regarded specialist school.

This is a rewarding role where you can make a meaningful contribution to a supportive school community dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding recruitment statement: Gretton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment, applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. We aim to be a fair employer and are committed to equal opportunities. Gretton School does not discriminate against employees on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, disability or age.

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