At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategies in a supportive educational environment for children with SEMH needs.
- Company: Bridgelea Primary School, a nurturing Pupil Referral Unit in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your HR leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, knowledge of employment law, and a passion for safeguarding.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to wellbeing and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 37820 - 40777 £ per year.
About The Role
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full Time
Number of Positions: 1
Start Date: 1st May 2026
Salary: £37,820 - £40,777 per annum
Grade 7 TTO
Are you a passionate and experienced HR professional ready to make a meaningful difference in a specialist educational setting? Bridgelea Primary School, a nurturing and Rights Respecting Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Manchester, is seeking an exceptional HR Manager to join our senior leadership team. This is a chance to lead a responsive, strategic HR function that supports a dedicated team working with children who have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. If you want to be part of a school where every child’s development is valued, where language and communication are central, and where wellbeing and resilience are nurtured every day, then this could be the role for you.
About the Candidate
We are looking for an HR leader who:
- Brings deep knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, especially within education or specialist settings
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and integrity, able to build trust and influence at all levels
- Is proactive, organised, and confident managing complex and sensitive employee relations cases
- Is passionate about safeguarding and committed to promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and staff
- Has experience with HR information systems and a strong eye for detail alongside strategic vision
- Thrives in a collaborative, values-driven environment and embraces continuous learning and improvement
- Is skilled in innovative recruitment and talent management approaches that align with an inclusive ethos
Your leadership will directly impact the quality of our workforce and the positive experiences of our children and staff.
We Offer:
At Bridgelea, you will join a warm, committed, and reflective team dedicated to making a real difference. We offer:
- A unique and rewarding specialist educational environment
- Opportunities for professional growth through sector-specific training and leadership development
- The chance to influence school-wide strategy and contribute to a nurturing, inclusive culture
- Supportive colleagues and a collaborative leadership team
- A clear commitment to wellbeing, development, and high-quality practice
About Us
To apply for this job role, please complete the application form and email it to: admin@bridgelea.manchester.sch.uk
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The above post will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.
We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Senior HR Leader — Education Specialist & Safeguarding in Manchester employer: Old Moat
Contact Detail:
Old Moat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Leader — Education Specialist & Safeguarding in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in HR. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bridgelea Primary School and its values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to support children with SEMH needs. Tailor your answers to reflect our commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop us a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in our minds and shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Leader — Education Specialist & Safeguarding in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your passion for HR in education and how you can contribute to our nurturing environment.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in employment law, employee relations, and safeguarding make you the perfect fit for us. Use specific examples to illustrate your expertise!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value integrity and interpersonal skills, so be genuine about your experiences and what drives you to work in a specialist educational setting.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application process as outlined. Submit your application through our website or email it directly to us. We’re excited to hear from you, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on employment law and HR best practices, especially in educational settings. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by schools like Bridgelea Primary, particularly around safeguarding and supporting children with SEMH needs.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for working in a nurturing educational environment. Share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, particularly in promoting wellbeing and resilience among staff and students.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Bridgelea Primary. Highlight your experience in managing complex employee relations cases and how you've successfully influenced teams in the past.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's culture, the HR function's strategic goals, and how they support staff development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.