At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and operations, ensuring a people-centred approach across the school.
- Company: Join a prestigious school committed to excellence and staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the school's culture and employee experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in HR or CIPD Level 5, with strong HR leadership experience.
The HR Manager role is a key leadership position with significant influence across the school, providing strategic advice to senior leaders while delivering an efficient, professional and people-centred HR service. Reporting to the Bursar and working closely with the Headmaster and Finance Director, the successful candidate will lead HR strategy, compliance and operations across the school.
The HR Manager will be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering an HR strategy aligned with the School Development Plan, ensuring a coherent, efficient and forward-looking HR service.
- Leading employment compliance including safer recruitment, SCR oversight, UKVI requirements and policy governance.
- Managing recruitment and workforce planning across teaching, support and overseas programmes, ensuring an excellent candidate experience.
- Advising, coaching and supporting managers and heads of department on employee relations matters, helping to foster a positive, high-trust culture.
- Overseeing payroll, pensions, employee benefits and annual reviews in partnership with the Finance Officer.
- Maintaining HR systems, ensuring data integrity, insight and operational excellence.
- Promoting staff wellbeing, inclusion and engagement through initiatives, forums and staff feedback mechanisms.
The successful candidate will have:
- A degree relevant to HR and/or CIPD qualification (Level 5 minimum).
- Demonstrable experience of HR leadership in a service focused environment.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law, safer recruitment and HR best practice.
- Experience advising senior leaders on complex people matters.
- Excellent communication, judgement, influencing and organisational skills.
- Warmth, integrity and professionalism, together with a genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Summer Fields.
Summer Fields is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
HR Manager in Oxford employer: The Independent Schools Council
Joining Kingsley Explorers Nursery as a Founding Early Years Practitioner means becoming part of a pioneering team dedicated to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for children's growth. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong emphasis on professional development, this role offers not just a job, but a meaningful career in early childhood education. Located within the supportive framework of the Independent Schools Council, you will thrive in a culture that values innovation and collaboration.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Oxford
✨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 The Independent Schools Council!
✨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 The Independent Schools Council.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Oxford
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 The Independent Schools Council. 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 The Independent Schools Council 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 The Independent Schools Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to The Independent Schools Council'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 The Independent Schools Council
✨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 The Independent Schools Council.
✨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 The Independent Schools Council 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 The Independent Schools Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
