HR Manager

Abingdon School; England; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school located in Oxfordshire is seeking a motivated HR Manager to support the Director of HR in overseeing the HR function. The HR Manager will handle complex employee relations issues, manage HR policies, and lead specific HR projects. The ideal candidate will be degree educated, CIPD qualified or working towards a qualification, and have strong knowledge of employment law. Competitive benefits include generous annual leave, pension contribution, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days paid time off plus bank holidays

Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

Private healthcare insurance

Flexible working from home options

Discounted school fees

Free lunches during term time

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent.
• CIPD qualified (level 5 or above) or pursuing relevant qualification.
• Experience in HR generalist environment.
• Good understanding of employment law and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide HR advice on absence policies.
• Support HR change projects and consultations.
• Ensure compliance with data protection policies.
• Lead development of employee surveys.

Skills

Experience in HR generalist roles

Knowledge of employment law

Ability to advise on HR policies

Managing employee relations cases

Degree level education or equivalent

CIPD qualified (level 5 or above)

Education

Degree level or equivalent

CIPD qualification

Job description

Abingdon School is seeking an inquisitive and motivated HR Manager to join the team.

Location: Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: GBP47,511 - GBP49,791 per annum

Closing Date: 29th January :00pm

About Us:

The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11‑18. Currently a boys school, it will become co‑educational from September 2026.

Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4‑13 which has been co‑educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

HR Manager - The Role

We are looking for an exceptional HR Manager to join the Human Resources Department. The HR Manager is responsible for supporting and deputising for the Director of HR in the overall management of the HR function. They have day to day responsibility for HR policies, providing HR advice and support for employee relations matters and casework, which may be complex and leading on specific HR projects and designated areas of work.

HR Manager Responsibilities

• To provide advice and guidance to individuals and their managers in relation to the Foundation's absence policies and procedures.
• To support the Director of HR with HR change projects and consultations, including restructures, TUPEs, redundancies.
• To ensure that all applicant and staff data is managed and processed in accordance with the Foundation's data protection, data‑retention policies and data protection law.
• To ensure that all HR practices are aligned with diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• To lead the development and implementation of both annual and ad‑hoc employee surveys.
• To be the first point of contact for staff and managers on employment and ER advice.
• To work closely with the Health, Safety and Risk Manager and Deputy Head Educational Development.

HR Manager You

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• CIPD qualified (level 5 or above) or equivalent (or currently working towards a relevant qualification).
• Experience of working in a generalist HR environment.
• Demonstrable knowledge and good understanding of employment law, keeping up to date with best practice and changes in legislation.
• Experience of interpreting and advising on terms and conditions and HR policies and procedures.
• Experience of working with and advising managers on absence, disciplinary, capability, flexible‑working, probation and grievance matters.
• Experience of managing an ER caseload.

HR Manager Benefits

• You'll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays.
• Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution.
• Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Private healthcare insurance.
• We may be able to offer flexible working from home.
• Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes.
• Free lunches during term time.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Christmas closure days.
• Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply).
• There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff.
• We offer free on‑site parking and bike storage for all staff.
• We offer a range of online and in‑person courses to staff for free, including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses.

We recognise the value of a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants.

Early applications are encouraged. We may make an appointment prior to the advertised closing or interview dates.

Closing date: Thursday 29 January 2026 (Midday)

Interview date: Thursday 12 February 2026

Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

To submit your CV for this HR Manager opportunity please click Apply now!