HR Manager - Grammar School in St Albans (ASAP Start)

Are you an experienced HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact within a successful and supportive school environment?

If so, you’re in luck…

A thriving school in St Albans, where staff development, wellbeing and a strong community ethos are valued, is looking for an HR Manager to join their team as soon as possible.

We are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and proactive HR Manager to provide effective leadership and support across all aspects of the school’s HR function. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where people, professional development and employee wellbeing are at the heart of the school’s success.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, line managers and staff, providing expert advice across the full employee lifecycle. You will support recruitment, employee relations, performance management, policies, absence management and staff development while ensuring HR processes are compliant, efficient and consistently applied.

You will join a collaborative leadership and support team where colleagues work together to create a positive working environment. Leadership is committed to staff wellbeing, professional development and ensuring employees have the support they need to thrive.

The Role

As an HR Manager, you will oversee and coordinate the day-to-day HR function, providing professional advice and guidance to managers and staff. You will manage recruitment processes, employee relations matters, HR policies and procedures, staff records and workforce planning.

You will use HR data and reporting effectively to support decision-making, identify trends and contribute to organisational improvement. The role will also involve supporting staff development, wellbeing initiatives and the wider strategic priorities of the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to leavers.

• Provide professional HR advice and guidance to managers and staff on policies, procedures and employment matters.

• Manage employee relations cases, including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes.

• Lead and coordinate recruitment campaigns, ensuring an efficient and professional candidate experience.

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HR documentation.

• Ensure HR policies and procedures are regularly reviewed, communicated and consistently implemented.

• Monitor staff absence and support managers with effective absence management and return-to-work processes.

• Produce HR reports and analyse workforce data to support senior leadership decision-making.

• Support performance management, appraisal processes and staff development initiatives.

• Contribute to staff wellbeing, engagement and retention strategies.

• Ensure HR practices comply with relevant employment legislation and safeguarding requirements.

• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and wider school teams on workforce planning and organisational priorities.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful applicant will:

• Hold a relevant HR qualification, such as CIPD, or have equivalent professional HR experience.

• Have proven experience working in an HR Manager, HR Advisor or similar senior HR role.

• Have strong knowledge of employee relations, recruitment, absence management and performance processes.

• Be confident advising managers and staff on sensitive and complex HR matters.

• Have excellent organisational, administrative and time-management skills.

• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Have excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Be confident using HR systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.

• Be proactive, approachable and able to build positive working relationships at all levels.

• Be committed to staff wellbeing, professional development and creating a positive workplace culture.

• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding and safer recruitment within an education environment.

• Have the legal right to work in the UK.

Why Join This School?

• A supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.

• An organisation committed to staff development and wellbeing.

• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.

• A positive and inclusive working environment.

• A varied and rewarding HR role with the opportunity to make a genuine difference.

• A school community that values its staff and recognises the importance of effective people management.

Location

The school is based in St Albans, offering a welcoming and professional environment within a vibrant local community. Staff benefit from supportive colleagues, a collaborative culture and a clear commitment to professional development and staff wellbeing.

How to Apply

To apply, please forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, clearly outlining your qualifications, HR experience and suitability for the role.

Start Date: ASAP
Nature: Full-Time / Permanent
Salary: Competitive

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.