At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with HR advice, manage employee relations, and lead HR projects.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading community dedicated to improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days annual leave, company pension, life insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for UK-wide travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR career in a purpose-led organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong communication skills, and a full driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
HR Advisor - Full time, permanent
- 30 days' annual leave increasing to 35 days with length of service plus Bank Holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Life insurance x2
- Employee discount scheme
- Free on-site parking
Due to continued growth across our education provision, Polaris is recruiting an experienced and proactive HR Advisor to support our schools and education settings. This is a key role within a growing HR function, providing day-to-day HR and employee relations support to school leaders and managers, ensuring consistent, pragmatic and compliant HR advice aligned with education sector expectations.
Based in one of our hubs in Milton Keynes or Bromsgrove with hybrid working, the role will involve regular engagement with schools and occasional UK-wide travel, including overnight stays where required. This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys working closely with school leaders, understands the pace and complexity of education environments and wants to develop their career within a purpose-led organisation.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide first-line HR and employee relations support to headteachers, school leadership teams and managers across Polaris schools and the wider community.
- Take the lead on employee relations cases, including investigations, disciplinaries, grievances and capability processes in consultation with the HR Business Partner.
- Advise and support managers on absence management, performance concerns and employee wellbeing matters.
- Manage employee lifecycle activities, including maternity and family leave, flexible working requests, occupational health referrals and reasonable adjustments.
- Support organisational change within schools, including restructures, TUPE-related activity and consultation processes.
- Assist with HR compliance and due diligence, ensuring personnel files and documentation meet safeguarding and regulatory standards.
- Support the review and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are appropriate for school environments.
- Manage HR projects within the schools' remit and contribute to continuous improvement across the HR service.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with school leaders, acting as a professional and approachable HR partner.
You will be an organised and confident HR professional who can balance compliance with a practical, people-centred approach. Proven HR and employee relations experience. Strong communication skills with the confidence to advise and influence school leaders. Confident using the Microsoft Office suite. Full driving licence and access to a vehicle. Experience supporting schools or education settings. Experience in a multi-site or regional HR role. Experience supporting complex or sensitive employee relations cases.
Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Senior HR Advisor (Policy, Projects, Policy) employer: Polaris Community
Polaris is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and purpose-driven work environment for HR professionals passionate about making a difference in the education sector. With generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for career development, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Milton Keynes, the role provides a unique chance to engage with school leaders across the UK, fostering strong relationships while contributing to the welfare of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Advisor (Policy, Projects, Policy)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for HR roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture at Polaris. Understand their values and how they support schools. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior HR Advisor. Highlight your skills in employee relations and your proactive approach to HR challenges, especially in an educational setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Polaris team and contributing to our purpose-led organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Advisor (Policy, Projects, Policy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior HR Advisor role. Highlight your experience in HR and employee relations, especially in education settings. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Polaris. Share your passion for supporting schools and your approach to HR challenges. This is your chance to show us your personality!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to the job description. Mention any specific projects or cases you've handled that demonstrate your ability to manage employee relations effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around employee relations and compliance in education settings. Familiarise yourself with common HR policies and procedures relevant to schools, as this will show that you're not just a generalist but someone who understands the unique challenges of the education sector.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves building strong relationships with school leaders, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully navigated complex employee relations cases. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to influence and advise effectively, as these are key to thriving in this position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities in real-life HR situations. Think about past experiences where you managed grievances or performance issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your practical approach to HR challenges.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Polaris is all about improving the lives of children and young people, so make sure you align your answers with their mission. Show your passion for working in a purpose-led organisation and how your values resonate with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits into their culture.
