HR Lead & PA - Fixed Term

Forest Hall School; Bentfield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Forest Hall School is seeking an experienced HR Lead & PA to manage day-to-day HR functions and provide executive support across two sites. You will own the full employee lifecycle, oversee recruitment, payroll, records, absence, ER and performance processes, and collaborate with the Trust HR team to ensure compliant, efficient practices.

In addition to HR leadership, you will support the Executive Headteacher with complex diary management, meeting coordination, reports and governance papers,

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR functions across two school sites.
• Oversee recruitment, safer recruitment compliance, payroll administration, workforce records, absence management, employee relations and performance processes.
• Collaborate with school leaders and the Trust HR team to ensure compliant, efficient HR practices.

Job description

As HR Lead & PA, you will play a central role in ensuring both schools operate efficiently by leading day-to-day HR functions while providing high-quality executive support to the Executive Headteacher and leadership teams across two school sites.

You will take ownership of the full employee lifecycle, overseeing recruitment, safer recruitment compliance, payroll administration, workforce records, absence management, employee relations and performance processes. Working closely with school leaders and the Trust HR team, you will ensure that all HR practices are compliant, efficient and provide an excellent experience for staff.

Alongside your HR leadership responsibilities, you will act as the Executive Headteacher's trusted Personal Assistant, managing complex diaries, coordinating meetings, preparing reports and presentations, organising governance and leadership meetings, and ensuring the smooth coordination of strategic priorities across both schools. You will be the first point of contact for many stakeholders, exercising sound judgement, maintaining absolute confidentiality and anticipating the needs of the Executive Headteacher in a fast-paced environment.

This is a varied and rewarding role requiring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to balance competing priorities with confidence and professionalism. You will build positive working relationships with leaders, staff, governors, Trust colleagues and external partners, providing both operational expertise and executive support that enables the schools to function effectively.

No two days will be the same. Whether you're co-ordinating a recruitment campaign, supporting employee wellbeing, preparing papers for governors, supporting school improvement projects or managing the Executive Headteacher's busy schedule, you will play a vital role in the success of both schools and the wider BMAT community.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional with exceptional administrative and organisational skills who enjoys working at the heart of a busy school environment. Your contribution will directly support our staff, our leaders and, ultimately, the outcomes and experiences of the young people we serve.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications or appoint a successful candidate before the closing date.