HR Lead & PA - Fixed TermEDV/2026/FHS/94549

BMAT; Bentfield; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

BMAT is seeking an experienced HR Lead & PA to drive day-to-day HR operations across two BMAT school sites in the Bentfield area. You will lead recruitment, safer recruitment, payroll, workforce records, absence and employee relations, while providing high-level executive support to the Executive Headteacher and leadership teams.

You will manage complex diaries, co-ordinate meetings, prepare reports, and organise governance activities across both schools.

Qualifications

• Experience leading HR in a school or education setting.
• Knowledge of recruitment, safer recruitment compliance, payroll and employee relations.
• Strong organisational and confidentiality skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR operations across two school sites.
• oversee recruitment, safer recruitment compliance, payroll, records, absence and ER processes.
• Provide high-quality executive support to the Executive Headteacher and leadership teams.
• Manage complex diaries, meetings, reports and governance preparations.
• Support school improvement projects and stakeholder communications.

Skills

HR leadership

Executive support

Organisation

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR

Tools

Payroll software

HRIS

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. Early applications are therefore encouraged.