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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and support leadership development across a national education provider.
- Company: Join a values-driven children's care and education provider making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a people-first culture that values your influence and expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR within education and strong knowledge of employment law required.
- Other info: Regular travel across the UK; South-West candidates preferred for local support.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 77000 £ per year.
Tide Partnership is proud to be working with a values-led children’s care and education provider, supporting their search for an experienced HR Business Partner to join their growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a national HR leadership role where safeguarding, compliance, and leadership development are key priorities. You’ll be part of a people-first culture where HR is trusted to influence and shape the future, working closely with senior stakeholders across the UK.
While the role has a national remit, the provider has a cluster of schools in the South-West, so preference will be given to candidates based in this region to support the local leadership team more closely.
The Role
Aligned with a Managing Director, you’ll act as a key strategic HR lead across a portfolio of specialist education services nationally. With recent acquisitions and multiple service cultures, we’re looking for someone adaptable and relationship-driven who can flex their style, build trust quickly, and provide tailored people support to leaders at all levels. This is a hands-on, collaborative role requiring a confident and credible HR professional with a deep understanding of regulated environments, safeguarding, and organisational risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Managing Director and national leaders to drive cultural alignment and people strategy
- Build leadership capability through coaching and supporting newly appointed and developing managers
- Design, facilitate and roll out leadership development programmes across services
- Provide expert advice on safeguarding-related HR matters and safer recruitment practices
- Manage complex employee relations cases and long-term absence
- Support regulatory compliance through audits, inspections, and risk registers
- Present meaningful people insights to senior stakeholders with confidence and clarity
- Deliver tailored HR support across a diverse, multi-site and multi-region organisation
Benefits Include
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- High-trust, values-led working culture
- Close partnership with regional leadership
- Career development opportunities and L&D ownership
- Generous annual leave
Travel Requirements
This is a national role with regular travel across the UK. Candidates based in the South-West of England are particularly encouraged to apply, as this is where a number of the provider’s largest services are located. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience in an HR Business Partner or Senior Advisor role within Education
- Strong knowledge of employment law and safeguarding responsibilities
- Experienced facilitator with a track record of delivering leadership or management development initiatives
- Comfortable navigating complex ER issues and organisational risk
- Adaptable communicator able to work across multiple service cultures
Desirable Criteria
- CIPD Level 5 or above
- Experience of HR in organisations with acquisition, merger, or cultural integration challenges
- Familiarity with risk registers and regulatory inspections
- Strong analytical skills with experience using people data to shape decisions
HR Business Partner employer: Tide Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tide Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who have experience in HR roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in HR within educational settings.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific safeguarding and compliance regulations relevant to the education sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with leadership development initiatives. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully coached managers or facilitated training programmes that align with the values of a people-first culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability by preparing to discuss how you've navigated complex employee relations issues in the past. Highlight your ability to build trust quickly and tailor your approach to different service cultures.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as an HR Business Partner, particularly in the education sector. Emphasise your knowledge of employment law, safeguarding responsibilities, and any leadership development initiatives you've facilitated.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working in a values-led environment. Discuss how your skills align with the role's requirements, especially your ability to build relationships and navigate complex employee relations issues.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Provide specific examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and relationship-driven approach. Highlight any work you've done in regulated environments or with safeguarding practices.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to cultural alignment and people strategy. Be ready to discuss how you would support leadership development and manage complex employee relations cases, using data to inform your decisions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tide Recruitment
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Tide Partnership and their values-led approach. Understanding their people-first culture will help you align your responses with their expectations and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in HR, particularly within the education sector. Highlight specific examples of how you've navigated complex employee relations issues or implemented leadership development programmes, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Given the diverse service cultures and recent acquisitions mentioned in the job description, it's crucial to showcase your adaptability. Share examples of how you've successfully adjusted your communication style or HR strategies to meet the needs of different teams or environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions related to safeguarding and compliance. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, ensuring you can provide clear, confident answers during the interview.