Human Resources Manager

Job Overview This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic, people-focused HR leader to play a pivotal role in driving forward a transformative People agenda. Operating at a time of significant organisational change, this role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments and brings a proven track record of building and leading high-performing HR and Payroll teams. The successful candidate will be an experienced HR professional with a strong leadership background and the ability to influence at Executive level while managing complex stakeholder relationships. Working in close partnership with the Director of People & Culture, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering strategic workforce objectives, with a clear focus on excellence, inclusion, and long-term impact.

The Opportunity This is an exceptional opportunity for a people-centric HR leader with a passion for strategic workforce development. You will influence and lead across multiple entities, ensuring a cohesive and forward-thinking approach to People strategy, employee engagement, and operational excellence. You will work collaboratively across the organisation and its subsidiary to lead and develop People services—including HR operations, employee relations, change programmes, and payroll—ensuring excellence, compliance, and innovation in all aspects of workforce management. This role is ideal for an experienced senior HR professional from the education sector, with a proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and lead multi-disciplinary teams through change.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a senior HR leader across the group, influencing and implementing strategic People initiatives
• Lead and manage a team of People professionals across various levels, ensuring consistent delivery and service improvement
• Provide expert advice and leadership on employee relations, casework, investigations, hearings, and employment law matters including TUPE
• Consult and negotiate effectively with trade unions, building strong and productive working relationships
• Use workforce data and HR analytics to inform strategic decisions and support continuous improvement
• Lead on policy development, employee engagement initiatives, organisational change projects, and workforce planning
• Ensure payroll processes align with organisational and legislative standards
• Partner with internal stakeholders to promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing working culture

About You Degree-qualified and/or significant experience in senior HR leadership CIPD Level 5 (minimum) and Chartered CIPD member Extensive generalist HR experience across the employee lifecycle, ideally within the education sector Strong understanding of employment law, codes of practice, and TUPE regulations Proven track record of leading HR teams and managing payroll functions Skilled in strategic thinking, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement Experience working closely with trade unions to drive collaborative outcomes Strong analytical skills with experience using data to inform decisions Full UK driving licence and access to own transport – travel across Swindon and Wiltshire is required

What’s on Offer This is a people-first organisation that is committed to supporting its colleagues just as much as its learners. Alongside a positive and collaborative working environment, you’ll benefit from: A friendly and inclusive culture Ongoing CPD and tailored professional development opportunities Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Discounts at local health and fitness clubs Exclusive employee perks – savings on shopping, dining, travel & more Staff discounts at major retail outlets Access to counselling and impartial advice services Excellent LGPS pension scheme

Job Type: Fixed term contract Contract length: 12 months Pay: £41,840.00-£46,264.00 per year Benefits: Company pension Employee discount Employee mentoring programme Free parking Gym membership Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Schedule: Day shift Monday to Friday, 4 days a week Hours- 29.60/week No weekends

Application question(s): Are you Degree-qualified or equivalent senior HR leadership experience 5 years experience managing and leading a team of People professionals at various levels Education experience is a must Experience in consulting with Trade Unions to achieve positive outcomes Do you have extensive experience of independently managing casework, advising on investigations and preparing for and attending formal hearings in relation to conduct, capability and grievance Do you have 5 year plus in generalist HR experience in ER, policy development, employee engagement, change management, codes of practice, legislation and project management

Application deadline: 20/06/2025