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, pension scheme, life insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your HR career.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for education.
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 Project Advisor employer: Polaris Community
Polaris is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the education sector. With generous benefits such as 30 to 35 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that encourages professional development, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located in Milton Keynes, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the opportunity to engage with school leaders across the UK ensures a dynamic and rewarding career path within a purpose-led organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Project Advisor
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the HR field! Attend industry events, join online forums, or even reach out to former colleagues. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've tackled HR challenges in the past. This will show them you’re not just talk – you’ve got the experience to back it up.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every school and education setting is unique, so make sure you tailor your conversations to reflect that. Research the specific challenges they face and come prepared with ideas on how you can help them navigate those issues.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Project Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior HR Project Advisor role. Highlight your experience in HR and employee relations, especially in education settings. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with schools and how you can contribute to our mission at Polaris. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Strong communication is key in this role. In your application, demonstrate your ability to advise and influence school leaders. Use clear and concise language to show us you can handle complex HR matters with ease.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to 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 keen on joining our team!
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 scenarios that might come up in schools, like handling grievances or absence management.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about building relationships with school leaders and managers. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations and influenced decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific HR challenges, such as a disciplinary case or a restructure. Think through your approach and be prepared to discuss the steps you would take to ensure a fair and compliant process.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As an HR professional, being organised is key. Be ready to talk about how you manage multiple priorities and projects, especially in a fast-paced environment like education. Share tools or methods you use to stay on top of your workload.
