HR Manager

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Barking; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Coast and Vale Learning Trust is seeking an HR Manager to lead the central HR service across our federation of schools. The role focuses on sickness absence management, records, and delivering accurate HR guidance with confidential, compliant processes.

You will report to the School Business Manager, line manage the HR Officer, and help develop scalable HR systems for future federation growth while working 35 hours per week, term-time plus 10 days in holidays.

Qualifications

• HR qualification (CIPD) or working towards one.
• Experience in HR; school/education setting preferred but optional.
• Strong organisation, integrity and confidentiality are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sickness absence and attendance management.
• Maintain employee records and HR systems.
• Provide general HR advice and support to leaders.
• Generate management information and workforce reports.
• Support staff engagement, wellbeing and retention.
• Ensure policies are applied consistently and fairly.

Skills

HR knowledge

Discretion & confidentiality

Organisation

Written & verbal communication

Education

CIPD qualification or in progress

Tools

HR systems

Workforce data

Job description

HR MANAGER

Salary: P04, Pt 35-38 (£49,056 -£52,194 (FT)) pro rata salary, likely to be between approx. (£43,279-£46,047) subject to experience, working days and continuous service

Hours: 35 hours per week, term time only plus 10 days working during school holiday periods

Location: Across Federation schools

Start Date: As soon as possible

Could you help us deliver an outstanding HR service across our Federation of schools?

Our Federation brings schools together to share expertise and provide high-quality, efficient and sustainable services, while ensuring each school retains its own identity and character. As our Federation develops, we are strengthening our central services so they can support our current schools and future growth.

We are looking for a friendly, professional and highly organised HR Manager to join our Central Federation Core Staff Leadership Team.

This is a varied and trusted role for someone who is exceptionally efficient, enjoys making systems work well and can manage multiple priorities without losing sight of the detail.

Working under the direction of the School Business Manager, you will lead the day-to-day HR service across our schools and line manage the HR Officer. You will help ensure employees and leaders receive a responsive, supportive and consistent HR service, while maintaining high standards of accuracy, confidentiality and compliance.

About the Role

The role includes responsibility for:

• sickness absence and attendance management;
• employee records and HR systems;
• general HR advice and support;
• management information and workforce reporting;
• staff engagement, wellbeing and retention;
• ensuring HR policies and procedures are applied consistently, fairly and transparently;
• supporting employee relations meetings, hearings and formal processes;
• working with Finance and Payroll colleagues to ensure employee information is accurate and timely; and
• developing efficient, consistent and scalable HR systems and processes that can support future Federation growth.

These areas build on the responsibilities already established within the current HR Manager role.

We Are Looking for Someone Who

• is friendly, approachable and professional;
• acts with absolute integrity, discretion and confidentiality;
• is exceptionally organised, accurate and efficient;
• has outstanding written and verbal communication skills;
• can confidently manage multiple tasks, competing priorities and strict deadlines;
• has the patience and interpersonal skills to support employees and managers sensitively and professionally;
• has strong HR knowledge and experience and can provide practical advice and guidance;
• understands the importance of applying policy consistently and transparently;
• can exercise sound judgement, recognise risk and know when to escape or seek specialist advice;
• has excellent IT skills and is confident developing systems, processes and using workforce data;
• enjoys improving the way services operate and is familiar with the principles of continuous improvement and Operational Excellence;
• takes ownership, follows things through and can be relied upon to keep senior leaders appropriately informed; and
• works collaboratively and positively as part of a wider team.

An HR qualification such as CIPD, or currently working towards one, would be desirable. School experience would be helpful but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join the Federation at an important stage of its development and to help shape how our central HR service operates as we grow.

You will work closely with senior leaders, have genuine responsibility for your areas of work and have the opportunity to develop systems and processes that make a real difference to employees and schools.

If you are someone who enjoys creating order, improving systems, supporting people and making sure things are done properly, accurately and on time, we would very much like to hear from you.

Safeguarding

The Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Appointment will be subject to our safer recruitment procedures and all appropriate pre-employment checks.