HR Lead

Royal Docks Academy; East Ham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension contribution

Private healthcare benefits

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice options

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

BMAT Education seeks an enthusiastic HR Lead to join our school network, overseeing day-to-day HR operations and working with the Headteacher, SLT and Trust HR to deliver a professional, supportive service.

You will lead recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll processes and safer recruitment compliance, ensuring policies are followed and staff feel valued across BMAT's academies.

Qualifications

• Operational HR experience in a busy environment.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR policies.
• Ability to build positive working relationships at all levels.
• Experience in education is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating recruitment, selection, onboarding and induction processes.
• Providing first-line HR advice and guidance to staff and school leaders.
• Supporting employee relations, including absence management, performance, conduct and wellbeing.
• Managing HR administration, employee records and payroll-related processes.
• Maintaining safer recruitment compliance, including the school's Single Central Record.
• Collaborating with the HR Business Partner and the wider Trust HR team for consistency.
• Identifying opportunities to improve HR processes and the running of the school.

Skills

HR policy knowledge

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Stakeholder management

Education

HR qualification or degree in HR

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and proactive HR Lead to join our school and play a key role in delivering a high-quality, professional and supportive HR service.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional who enjoys working in a busy, people-focused environment and wants to make a positive difference within a school community.

As HR Lead, you will oversee the day-to-day HR operations within the school, working closely with the Headteacher, senior leadership team and wider Trust HR team. You will be a key point of contact for staff and managers, providing guidance and ensuring HR processes are delivered effectively, consistently and in line with Trust policies.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating recruitment, selection, onboarding and induction processes.
• Providing first-line HR advice and guidance to staff and school leaders.
• Supporting employee relations matters, including absence management, performance, conduct and wellbeing.
• Managing HR administration, employee records and payroll-related processes, ensuring information is accurate and submitted on time.
• Maintaining safer recruitment compliance, including the school's Single Central Record.
• Working collaboratively with the HR Business Partner and the wider Trust HR team to ensure a consistent approach to HR practices.
• Identifying opportunities to improveHR processes and contribute to the effective running of the school.

About You

We are looking for someone who is approachable, professional and confident in managing a varied workload. You will have experience in operational HR, strong organisational skills and the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels.

You will have a good understanding of HR processes and employment legislation, excellent attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Experience of working within education would be advantageous, but we also welcome applications from HR professionals with transferable experience from other sectors.

Why Join Us?

As part of BMAT Education, you will be joining a collaborative and supportive Trust where people are at the heart of what we do.

You will benefit from working alongside an experienced central HR team, with opportunities to develop your knowledge, share best practice and contribute to wider Trust initiatives.

We are committed to creating a positive working environment where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

If you are passionate about HR, enjoy building relationships and thrive in a varied and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.

About the Trust

BMAT is a thriving community of schools, committed to providing an outstanding education for every student attending one of our schools. We create environments where individuals matter, confidence flourishes, and every child can achieve exceptional outcomes. We currently oversee seven secondary academies and five primary academies, primarily located in Harlow, with additional sites in Newham and Stansted.

The Trust’s vision is clear - to work together to smash through the barriers that prevent children from becoming confident, high-achieving, and independent individuals.

What can BMAT offer you?

BMAT provides a range of benefits to support your personal and professional well-being:

• Generous employer pension contribution through Local Government Pension Scheme
• Private healthcare benefits, including 24/7 Doctorline access
• Home and electronic salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to work
• Discounted Gym membership through salary sacrifice
• Lifestyle and discount savings
• Workplace nursery fee salary sacrifice scheme via Yellownest
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
• A collaborative culture with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional respect.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on young people’s lives.

Please note: Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to close this advertisement prior to the stated closing date should a suitable candidate be shortlisted or appointed.