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- Tasks: Support staff wellbeing and manage HR processes in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: A well-regarded secondary school in Derby with a strong reputation for staff retention.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth in HR or business management.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff wellbeing and school operations while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or payroll administration with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A well-regarded 11–18 secondary school in Derby is seeking a highly organised and discreet HR & Payroll Administrator to join its professional support services team. This is a vital role supporting staff across the school and ensuring HR processes run smoothly, compliantly and efficiently. The school places strong value on staff wellbeing and professional culture, and this role sits at the heart of that commitment.
The Role
Working closely with the School Business Manager and senior leadership, you will support the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to payroll and ongoing staff administration. Key responsibilities include:
- Administering recruitment processes, contracts and pre-employment checks
- Managing payroll data, starters, leavers and contractual changes
- Maintaining accurate personnel records and HR systems
- Supporting absence management and staff wellbeing processes
- Liaising with external payroll providers and local authorities
- Ensuring compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding requirements
Accuracy, confidentiality and professionalism are essential in this role.
The School
This is a Good-rated secondary school with a stable leadership team and a strong reputation for staff retention. The school has clear systems in place and values efficiency, trust and consistency across its operations. Support staff are fully integrated into the life of the school and are treated as key professionals rather than background roles.
Working Environment
You’ll be part of a collaborative admin and operations team where communication is open and workloads are realistic. The leadership team is approachable and supportive, and there is a clear structure around responsibilities and deadlines. Training is provided on school systems, and there is scope to develop further expertise in HR or business management over time.
What the School Is Looking For
- Experience in HR and/or payroll administration
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Excellent attention to detail and discretion
- Confidence handling sensitive information
- Experience within a school or public-sector setting is desirable
Why This Role Stands Out
- Central role supporting staff wellbeing and school operations
- Clear systems and supportive leadership
- Professional, respectful working culture
- Opportunities for development and progression
- Competitive salary reflecting responsibility
An excellent opportunity for an experienced HR or Payroll Administrator seeking a meaningful role within a well-led secondary school.
HR & Payroll Administrator – Secondary School – Derby employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR & Payroll Administrator – Secondary School – Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the school on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their mission of staff wellbeing and professional culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR scenarios that might come up in the interview. Think about how we would handle sensitive information or manage payroll data. Being ready with examples will help us stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Payroll Administrator – Secondary School – Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your HR and payroll experience, and don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting staff wellbeing and how your background makes you a great fit for our school. Keep it professional but let your personality show!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be specific about your previous roles in HR or payroll. If you’ve worked in a school or public-sector setting, make sure to mention that – it’s a big plus for us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on HR and payroll processes before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like managing payroll data and administering recruitment processes. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires strong organisational and time-management skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise your workload and ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Emphasise Confidentiality and Discretion
Given the sensitive nature of HR information, be prepared to talk about how you handle confidential data. Share specific instances where you've maintained discretion and professionalism, as this is crucial for building trust within the school environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions! Inquire about the school's approach to staff wellbeing or how they support professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s culture aligns with your values.