HR Manager

Michael Page; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is partnering with an established education organisation to appoint an experienced HR Manager who will lead a people‑focused HR function, balancing strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery.

You will support senior leaders, manage HR operations from recruitment to employee relations, advise on UK employment law, drive engagement and wellbeing, and ensure safeguarding compliance across multiple sites.

This is a permanent role in the not‑for‑profit sector.

Qualifications

• Experience leading HR teams within complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and best practices.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders.
• Experience in education or public sector is desirable.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Collaborative and visible leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Manage HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding and employee relations.
• Provide guidance on employment law and best practices.
• Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Monitor HR metrics and report on workforce trends.
• Lead and develop the HR team, driving high standards of service delivery.
• Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters.
• Partner with senior leaders to deliver people-focused solutions.
• Manage disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence processes.
• Develop and review HR policies and procedures.
• Support organisational change and workforce planning initiatives.
• Drive employee engagement, wellbeing and retention programmes.
• Use HR data and insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding requirements.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation to support continuous improvement.

Skills

People management

Employee relations

UK employment law

Stakeholder management

Strategic leadership

Communication

Education

CIPD qualified or equivalent

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HR Manager to lead a people-focused HR function within a well-established education organisation. As the first point of contact for all things HR, you will combine strategic leadership with hands‑on HR delivery, supporting senior leaders while driving an exceptional employee experience.

Our client is a well‑established, values‑led education organisation with a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality services across multiple sites. With people and culture at the heart of its success, the organisation is committed to developing its workforce, promoting wellbeing and creating an environment where colleagues can thrive.

Description

• Manage HR operations, including recruitment, onboarding and employee relations.
• Provide guidance on employment law and best practices.
• Lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Monitor HR metrics and report on workforce trends.
• Lead and develop the HR team, driving high standards of service delivery.
• Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters.
• Partner with senior leaders to deliver people‑focused solutions.
• Manage disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence processes.
• Develop and review HR policies and procedures.
• Support organisational change and workforce planning initiatives.
• Drive employee engagement, wellbeing and retention programmes.
• Use HR data and insight to support strategic decision‑making.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding requirements.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation to support continuous improvement.

Profile

A successful HR Manager should have:

• Previous experience as an HR Manager or Senior HR Business Partner.
• Experience leading and developing an HR team.
• Strong employee relations experience across complex casework.
• Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience influencing and advising senior stakeholders.
• CIPD qualified or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience within education or the wider public sector is highly desirable.
• Strong organisational, communication and relationship‑building skills.
• A collaborative, pragmatic and visible leadership style.
• Passionate about people, culture and delivering high‑quality HR services.

Job Offer

• Permanent position within the not‑for‑profit sector.