HR Business Partner

Tide Recruitment; Yeovil, Exeter, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Taunton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to lead strategic HR initiatives across a national portfolio of education services. This role emphasizes a people-first culture, focusing on safeguarding, compliance, and leadership development. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in HR within the education sector, showcasing adaptability and relationship-building skills. With a commitment to cultural alignment and leadership capability, this position offers a unique opportunity to influence and shape the future of education services while collaborating closely with senior stakeholders. If you are passionate about making a difference in children's care and education, this role is for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Career development opportunities

Generous annual leave

High-trust working culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HR Business Partner role within Education.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Experienced facilitator for leadership development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders to drive cultural alignment and people strategy.
• Manage complex employee relations cases and support compliance.
• Deliver tailored HR support across multiple services.

Skills

HR Business Partner experience

Employment law knowledge

Leadership development

Employee relations management

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

CIPD Level 5 or above

Job description

HR Business Partner – Education (National remit)
South-West England Based Preferred | National Travel Required
Full-time | Permanent
£50,000 - £55,000 per annum + Car Allowance

Summary

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