At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and foster a positive workplace culture across multiple childcare settings.
- Company: Jesters Childcare, dedicated to giving children the best start in life.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to continuous improvement and staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in early years education while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced HR professional with strong recruitment and employee relations skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 40000 £ per year.
Position Type: Head of School
Pay Range: £18.64 per hour
Position Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Part-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 31/12/2027 Midnight
Date of Interviews: After Jesters application form completed.
Contract: 20 hours per week across 5 days, permanent. Chelmsford based. Hybrid working - across 4 childcare settings in and around the city and from home.
Jesters Childcare are an Early Years and Wrap Around service with sites in Beaulieu - Chelmsford, Bicknacre and Danbury. We are committed to giving every child the best possible start in life. Our teams are warm, dedicated and passionate about early years and education - and we're looking for an HR Manager who shares that passion for people.
The Role
- Lead and develop the HR function across multiple nursery and Out of School settings.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding and retention of early years practitioners and support staff.
- Provide expert guidance on employee relations, performance management and HR policy.
- Ensure compliance with employment law, safeguarding requirements and sector-specific regulations.
- Support managers with training, coaching and professional development planning.
- Maintain accurate HR records, reporting and workforce planning.
- Champion wellbeing, engagement and a positive organisational culture.
- Drive continuous improvement in HR processes and staff experience.
About You
- An experienced HR professional (CIPD Level 5+ desirable).
- Confident managing HR across multiple sites.
- Skilled in employee relations, recruitment and HR best practice.
- Passionate about supporting teams who work with children.
- Highly organised, proactive and able to build strong relationships at all levels.
- Knowledgeable about safeguarding and safer recruitment (or willing to train).
PLEASE NOTE That unfortunately, this role does not meet the government's requirements for a Skilled Worker VISA, so we are unable to offer sponsorship.
HR Manager - Jesters Childcare in Chelmsford employer: Shorefields
Jesters Childcare is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for both children and staff. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and a collaborative work culture across multiple settings in Chelmsford, we offer HR Managers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. Join us in our mission to provide the best start in life for every child, where your passion for people will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager - Jesters Childcare in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an HR Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Jesters Childcare or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Jesters Childcare's values and culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to share examples of how you've championed wellbeing and engagement in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the hiring team, make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting teams that work with children. Let them see that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a real difference.
✨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 Jesters Childcare family and ready to contribute to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager - Jesters Childcare in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the HR Manager role at Jesters Childcare. Highlight your passion for early years education and how you can contribute to a positive workplace culture.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of how you've successfully managed HR functions across multiple sites. We want to see how your experience aligns with our commitment to supporting teams who work with children.
Be Personable:Remember, we’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships at all levels. Use your application to convey your personality and approachability, as these traits are key in fostering a supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with Jesters Childcare’s mission and values. Understand their commitment to early years education and how your HR experience can enhance that. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in employee relations, recruitment, and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed HR across multiple sites, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life HR situations. Think about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles and how you resolved them, especially in relation to safeguarding and compliance.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current HR strategies and how they support their teams. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their positive workplace culture.
