HR & Admin Lead

Griffin Primary School; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant educational institution in London is seeking a highly organised Admin & HR Lead to ensure smooth office operations and effective HR management. The successful candidate will oversee daily administrative functions, lead recruitment processes, and maintain compliance with safeguarding regulations. Ideal for candidates with strong HR knowledge, excellent communication, and a commitment to the school's inclusive values. Competitive salary and opportunities for professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in HR processes, including recruitment and onboarding.
• Ability to prioritise competing demands in a professional environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding and alignment with the school's values.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the school office and administrative systems.
• Lead all HR processes including recruitment and compliance.
• Maintain the Single Central Record and ensure safe recruitment.

Skills

Experience in a busy administrative environment

Strong HR knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Strong IT skills

Ability to maintain confidential records

Tools

MIS systems

Office software

Job description

Griffin Primary School is seeking a highly organised, proactive and committed Admin & HR Lead to join our vibrant and inclusive school community. This is a pivotal role within the school's operations, ensuring the smooth running of the office, leading essential administrative systems, and overseeing day‑to‑day HR functions. The successful candidate will be an ambassador for our school, warm, professional and aligned with our values, vision and ethos.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the school office and administrative systems.
• Lead on all HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, personnel queries and absence management.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism in all communication with parents, staff and visitors.
• Manage the Single Central Record and ensure safer recruitment compliance.
• Coordinate staff and pupil census submissions.
• Support effective business operations, procurement and site‑related administrative tasks.
• Maintain accurate records in line with data protection requirements.
• Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders, presenting a positive image of the school at all times.

Administration & Organisation

• Lead the day‑to‑day running of the office, ensuring systems are efficient and effective.
• Manage manual and digital records, producing reports as needed.
• Oversee admissions, waiting lists and new pupil inductions.
• Support the organisation of trips, events and parents' evenings.
• Ensure the office environment is professional, welcoming and well‑organised.

Human Resources

• Lead on staff recruitment, including advertising, compliance checks, DBS and onboarding.
• Manage personnel queries, absence and sickness procedures.
• Support employee relations, performance processes and disciplinary procedures where required.
• Administer payroll information and employee benefits.
• Develop, implement and review HR policies and ensure compliance with employment law.

Compliance & Safeguarding

• Maintain the Single Central Record with accuracy and rigour.
• Uphold data protection legislation and support the Data Protection Officer.

Operations & Communication

• Assist with procurement, stock management and service delivery operations.
• Support marketing, newsletters, social media and school communications.
• Respond to enquiries professionally and efficiently.
• Address site‑related administrative issues under the direction of the Principal.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in a busy administrative environment.
• Strong HR knowledge, including recruitment, onboarding and personnel management.
• Experience maintaining confidential records and understanding GDPR requirements.
• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and interpersonal.
• High level of organisation and ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong IT skills, including MIS systems, spreadsheets and office software.
• Experience producing reports and analysing information.
• Ability to work with professionalism, discretion and emotional intelligence.
• Alignment with the school's values and commitment to safeguarding.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a school or education setting.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment and SCR requirements.
• Experience supporting employee relations or HR policy development.
• Familiarity with Wandsworth LA, TEFAT or similar trust systems.
• Understanding of school attendance and admissions processes.

Personal Qualities

• Warm, approachable and child‑centred.
• Self‑motivated with a proactive attitude to solving problems.
• Calm under pressure and able to handle sensitive situations.
• Committed to equality, inclusion and working as part of a diverse community.
• Reflective, open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the attached Application Form and write a Cover Letter (no longer than 500 words). These should be submitted via TES or emailed to [e-mail]. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and may be asked to complete administrative or HR‑based tasks. Griffin Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.