At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, support managers, and enhance employee relations across our colleges.
- Company: Join South Thames Colleges Group, a key player in post-16 education in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 37 days annual leave, excellent pension, and wellbeing leave for a balanced life.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and travel across multiple college sites.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping a supportive workplace culture for students and staff.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR operations and a CIPD Level 7 qualification or working towards it.
We are seeking a Human Resources Manager to contribute to the provision of a comprehensive and high-quality HR service to managers and staff across the group. You will provide advice and guidance to managers, whilst supporting the delivery of service plans and assisting with the achievement of operational targets and objectives.
Assisting the Head of HR (Operations), you will provide support with employee relations, including handling grievances, disciplinaries, capability and absence management, ensuring processes are delivered in a supportive and consistent manner, with specific regard to matters that relate to statutory safeguarding. Undertaking job evaluations, ensuring adherence with the Group’s job evaluation arrangements, you will support the HR Advisors in conducting induction sessions for new members of staff and co-ordinating the arrangements as necessary.
Keeping abreast of changes in legislation, working practices and other external initiatives that may affect the Group, you will assist with the monitoring and review of costs associated with HR functions to ensure that services are provided within the allocated budgets. This role would suit someone who has significant experience in an operational HR role, leading an HR team, developing and implementing HR Policies and procedures, and experience of Employee relation casework, including negotiating with ACAS Conciliators and preparing Employment Tribunals.
You will ideally have UK and relevant European legislation and associated case law experience. You will hold CIPD or will be working towards gaining your CIPD Level 7. With a person-centred approach leading to successful leadership and management of change, you will have an overview of organisation systems and procedures and be able to act as adviser to managers and assist them with resolving staffing issues/conduct, absence and sickness management.
Able to solve problems and make decisions, you will understand numerical information relating to staff and calculate key statistics and salary costs. This post is predominantly based at Merton College but the successful candidate will be required to travel to and work from all South Thames Colleges Group’s sites.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 37 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees’ physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK. As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London’s largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students’ success at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.
Human Resources Manager employer: South Thames College Group
South Thames Colleges Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As an Occupational Therapist, you will have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying flexible working hours and access to professional development resources in a vibrant college environment. Join us in fostering autonomy and inclusion for our learners in Kingston and Carshalton, where your expertise will be valued and celebrated.
Contact Details:
South Thames College Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager
✨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 South Thames College Group!
✨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 South Thames College Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager
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 South Thames College Group. 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 South Thames College Group 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 South Thames College Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to South Thames College Group'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 South Thames College Group
✨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 South Thames College Group.
✨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 South Thames College Group 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 South Thames College Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.