At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage HR operations, recruitment, and employee relations in a vibrant secondary academy.
- Company: An ambitious and inclusive secondary academy in Walsall with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent transport links and a modern campus with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in a diverse school community.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 3 or 5 qualification and HR experience, ideally in education.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are seeking a meticulous, proactive HR Officer to oversee daily human resources operations, compliance, and staff recruitment across our school. Working closely with the senior leadership team and central trust HR, the successful candidate will manage employee relations, administer onboarding routines, maintain the Single Central Record (SCR), and ensure seamless HR compliance across the workforce.
The school is set across a modern, vibrant campus featuring high-tech administrative hubs, specialized vocational suites, and open learning zones. This energetic secondary academy caters to a diverse cohort of over 1,000 pupils. The school combines strong academic ambition with an exceptionally supportive, values-driven culture where non-teaching staff are integrated into wider school leadership strategies. The HR office operates as a fast-paced, highly organized operational hub, utilising cloud-based HR systems and management databases to support recruitment, staff retention, and statutory safeguarding requirements seamlessly.
Key Tasks & Daily Operations
- Safeguarding & Single Central Record (SCR): Maintain and audit the school's Single Central Record, conducting pre-employment checks, DBS verification, prohibition checks, and reference validations in strict accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.
- Recruitment & Onboarding: Coordinate end-to-end recruitment processes, from drafting job advertisements and managing candidate pipelines to arranging interview panels and issuing conditional offer letters.
- Employee Relations & Advisory: Serve as the first point of contact for staff inquiries regarding HR policies, leave requests, maternity/paternity rights, and sickness absence monitoring.
- Payroll & Records Administration: Prepare accurate monthly payroll variations, process contract amendments, and maintain confidential employee records using modern HR management software.
- Policy Compliance & Wellbeing: Support the implementation of trust-wide HR policies, coordinate occupational health referrals, and champion staff wellbeing initiatives across the school site.
Profile Requirements
- Qualifications: Associate CIPD (Level 3 or Level 5) qualification or equivalent professional experience in human resources management.
- Experience: Proven experience in an HR generalist, HR administrator, or HR officer role—ideally within an educational setting, academy trust, or public sector organization.
- Skills: Expert knowledge of safer recruitment practices, high attention to detail, proficiency with HR information systems (HRIS), and outstanding interpersonal discretion.
Local Area & Community: Based in the historically rich West Midlands borough of Walsall, the school serves an ambitious, welcoming, and culturally diverse local community. Known for its industrial heritage in leatherworking and manufacturing, Walsall offers a strong network of local families, modern town centre developments, and sprawling green spaces such as Walsall Arboretum and Reedswood Park.
Transport & Commuting: Walsall benefits from exceptional regional transport connections, situated directly along the West Midlands motorway network with rapid access via the M6 (Junctions 9 and 10), M5, and M54 corridors. Transit connectivity is extensive, featuring comprehensive local bus services and direct West Midlands Railway links from Walsall Station, offering fast, frequent routes into Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, and the wider Black Country.
Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.
HR Officer | Ambitious & Inclusive Secondary Academy | Walsall 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 Officer | Ambitious & Inclusive Secondary Academy | Walsall
✨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 Officer | Ambitious & Inclusive Secondary Academy | Walsall
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.
