At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy, manage employee relations, and drive talent acquisition in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Progressive Secondary Academy in Slough, committed to staff development and well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team in a modern campus with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff well-being and contribute to a thriving educational community.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or 7 and extensive HR experience in education or public sector.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are seeking a strategic, highly skilled HR Manager to lead human resources strategy, workforce planning, and operational HR delivery across our school. Working directly alongside the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team, and central trust HR, the successful candidate will manage employee relations, drive talent acquisition, maintain absolute safeguarding compliance on the Single Central Record (SCR), and champion staff well-being across the organization.
The school serves over 1,100 pupils with a strong commitment to staff development and workforce well-being. The HR department operates as a vital strategic engine within the school, utilizing modern digital systems to manage recruitment, safer recruitment audits, staff performance management, and workforce development within a calm, supportive, and professional environment.
KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS- Strategic HR Leadership: Develop and execute HR policies and workforce strategies aligned with the school’s vision, employment legislation, and education sector guidelines.
- Safer Recruitment & SCR Audits: Oversee end-to-end recruitment procedures, ensuring flawless compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) standards and managing the Single Central Record (SCR).
- Employee Relations & Casework: Provide expert advice and casework management on complex HR matters, including grievance, disciplinary, sickness absence, capability, and performance procedures.
- Payroll & Absence Management: Manage payroll preparation, monitor staff attendance patterns, coordinate occupational health interventions, and report key HR metrics to the Governing Body.
- Staff Well-Being & Development: Lead staff well-being initiatives, coordinate whole-school professional development frameworks, and foster a positive, high-performing workplace culture.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification (or equivalent degree in Human Resources / Business Management).
- Experience: Extensive HR generalist or HR management experience, with a proven track record in an educational setting, academy trust, or public sector environment.
- Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of UK employment law, safer recruitment protocols, exceptional dispute resolution skills, and strong strategic leadership capabilities.
Based in the bustling Berkshire town of Slough, the school serves a diverse and ambitious local community. Positioned along the Thames Valley, the area combines major business hubs, historic sites like nearby Windsor, expansive green spaces such as Upton Court Park, and a supportive network of local families. Slough benefits from outstanding regional transport connections, situated with immediate access to the M4 (Junctions 6/7), M25, and M40 motorway corridors. Transit connectivity is exceptional, with comprehensive local bus networks and direct Elizabeth line and Great Western Railway train services from Slough Station, offering swift routes into London Paddington, Reading, and Heathrow Airport.
Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.
HR Manager | Progressive Secondary Academy | Slough employer: Marchant Recruitment
Marchant Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. As a Nursery Teacher in Hillingdon, you will benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for continuous development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives in an Outstanding primary school setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager | Progressive Secondary Academy | Slough
✨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 Marchant Recruitment!
✨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.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 Marchant Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager | Progressive Secondary Academy | Slough
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 Marchant Recruitment. 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 Marchant Recruitment 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 Marchant Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Marchant Recruitment'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 Marchant Recruitment
✨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 Marchant Recruitment.
✨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 Marchant Recruitment 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 Marchant Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
