HR Manager

JOB TITLE: HR Manager

SALARY: £45,000 - £50,000

HOURS: 40 hours per week 

REPORTING TO: Commercial Director

Purpose of the Position:

To lead the HR function for Westholme School, providing operational and strategic HR advice and support, and working in partnership with senior leaders to drive school improvement.

To be responsible for the function’s administration & facilitation of HR processes encompassing the entire employee lifecycle. Driving continuous improvement in all aspects of Westholme’s employee experience.

To assist in the development of an inclusive culture which recognises and values the contributions of staff, setting high standards and expectations ensuring that everyone is empowered to do their best.

To promote and contribute to the development and implementation of the overall vision, values and aspirations of the school.

 

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Line Management and Support: Line manage, support, and develop the HR Administrator to ensure high standards in HR administration and operations, adhering to policies and procedures.

Employee Relations and Organisational Change: Manage, advise, and undertake work related to complex employee relations cases and organisational change, ensuring timely and effective progress and risk management.

HR Strategy and Development: Contribute to the development and review of HR/People strategy and plans and engage in proactive HR work to implement these strategies.

Recruitment Management: Manage the recruitment process for teaching and non-teaching staff, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, including safer recruitment and safeguarding legislation.

Onboarding: Oversee the administration & facilitation of our onboarding process, including offer letters, starter packs, employment contracts, and pre-employment checks.

Central Record Maintenance: Responsible for the completion and upkeep of the Single Central Record (SCR), ensuring job descriptions and contracts are current.

HR Process Improvement: Seek opportunities to improve and develop activities within the employee lifecycle, including attraction, recruitment, management, development, training, and retention of staff.

HRIS Management: Implementation and management of HRIS including the digitisation of existing paper-based employee files.

Training and Development: Develop and deliver HR-related training, and coach managers to improve their practices.

Absence Management: Support line managers/ department heads in the consistent application of our absence management policy.

HR Policies and Staff Handbook: Develop and review HR policies and the staff handbook, keeping up-to-date with employment law legislation.

HR Administration: Ensure through efficient utilisation of the function resource, HR administration, including contract changes, salary letters, maternity/paternity leave, OHU referrals, and ensuring probationary review meetings are conducted.

HR Support: Provide support to staff on HR issues as needed and maintain confidentiality. Record Maintenance: Maintain records and databases as required, ensuring data protection compliance and information accuracy.

Support to Senior Leadership: Assist the Commercial Director and Senior Leadership Team with performance concerns, disciplinary issues, staffing restructures, or redundancy procedures.

Project Management: Lead and support HR projects as required. Safeguarding Commitment: Support the school’s commitment to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare.

Policy Compliance: Ensure compliance with health and safety, security, confidentiality, and data protection policies.

Flexibility and Proactivity: Be responsive to the changing needs of the school and maintain a flexible and proactive approach to work.

First Point of Contact: Serve as the first point of contact for day-to-day HR matters at the school.

Payroll Liaison: Liaise with the payroll team regarding payroll changes.

Staff Benefits and Training Updates: Update staff on benefits and monitor completion of statutory training and maintain records.

Vision and Values Alignment: Reflect and consider the school’s vision and values when delivering HR services.

Ethos and Aims Contribution: Contribute positively to the overall ethos and aims of the school.

Wider School Policy: Be aware of and comply with all School policies and procedures particularly relating to child protection, equal opportunities, health and safety and security, confidentiality and data protection; reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Carry out all duties with regard to the school’s policies and codes of conduct. Participate in training and other learning activities as required and to participate in appraisal and professional development.

Set high expectations of conduct, whilst acting as a good role model for others This list is not exhaustive but rather an indication of the main requirements of the role.

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

• Appropriate CIPD qualification or equivalent in HR.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and demonstrable experience of its application. • Considerable experience in HR management and recruitment.

• Experience advising senior/middle managers on employment law issues such as discipline, absence, capability, and grievance.

• Experience dealing with confidential work with tact and discretion, combined with sound judgment.

• Experience in a complex, busy, service-driven environment.

• Demonstrable experience using HR information to aid decision-making.

• Ability to develop and implement HR-related systems and procedures.

• Experience of developing collaborative working relationships within a unionised environment.

• Previous experience working in a school and/or knowledge of HR in schools, including current school safeguarding regulations.

• Knowledge of HR databases.

• Successful change management experience.

 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent administration and organisational skills.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong IT skills, including Outlook, Word, and Excel to an advanced level.

• Good time management with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise as necessary.

• Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects effectively and efficiently.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate well to people at all levels with sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.

• Proven ability to manage difficult situations and work with those involved to devise solutions.

• Ability to develop positive relationships and be an excellent team player.

• Excellent recruitment skills, including the use of social media and networks.

• Diplomacy and confidence with the ability to engage and challenge senior leaders as required.

 

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• High level of personal integrity, with proven experience handling sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy, and complete respect for confidentiality.

• Reliable and trustworthy with the ability to be sensitive to the needs of others.

• Excellent personal organisation and self-motivation.

• Ability to prioritise and work on own initiative.

• Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Willingness to learn, develop, and improve.

• Ability to work with discretion at all times.

• Ability to work flexibly and positively, adapting to changing work patterns.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to maintain the strictest confidentiality and integrity at all times.

 

Applicants who have any questions can email HR department: hr@westholmeschool.com

 

Westholme School: Unrivalled Holistic Excellence | Staff Vacancies