HR Manager

Pond Meadow; Guildford; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Pond Meadow School in Guildford is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the People function and provide high-quality HR advice across the employee lifecycle. Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operations Officer, you will support recruitment, policy development, attendance management and safeguarding compliance.

This permanent, full-time post is 36 hours term time plus 3 weeks; part-time considered. The role oversees HR administration and staff development, working with senior leaders to

Qualifications

• Strong generalist HR experience with employment law knowledge.
• Ability to advise managers on employee relations and performance matters.
• Experience developing HR policies and processes.
• Education experience considered advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the HR function across the employee lifecycle.
• Provide HR advice to managers on absence, discipline, and performance matters.
• Oversee recruitment, attendance management, and policy implementation.
• Ensure safeguarding, confidentiality and accurate HR records.

Skills

HR Generalist

Employment Law

Employee Relations

Policy Development

Communication

Job description

# HR ManagerEmployer: Pond Meadow SchoolLocation: Guildford, SurreyContract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeContract Length: Full timeSalary: PS9 Pt 2Posted: 1st October 2026Expires: 1st November 2026 11:59 PMStart Date: 1st January 2027Job ID: 1577127Job Reference: PM/HRM/09/26* Share :* PrintLocation: Pond Meadow Academy Trust, including all current and future Trust sitesContract: Permanent 36 Hours Term Time plus 3 weeks, Part time will be consideredGrade: PS9 Pt2-6 £42,958 - £46,624 FTE (£38,845 - £42,161 Actual)Closing date: 1st November 26Shortlisting date: 2nd November 26Interviews: 9th November 26HR ManagerPond Meadow School is looking to appoint an experienced and proactive HR Manager to lead and develop our people function and provide high-quality HR advice and support across the school.This is an exciting opportunity to join Pond Meadow at a time of development and growth. Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operations Officer and working closely with the senior leadership team, the HR Manager will provide professional and pragmatic HR support across the employee lifecycle while helping us continue to develop effective, consistent and people-focused HR practices.The role will include employee relations, recruitment and retention, attendance management, performance and probation processes, policy development, workforce planning and supporting managers with day-to-day people matters. The HR Manager will also oversee the work of the People, Payroll & Compliance Officer, ensuring effective HR administration and robust processes are maintained.We are looking for someone who:• Has strong generalist HR experience and a sound understanding of employment law and HR best practice.• Can confidently advise and support managers with employee relations, absence, performance and other people matters.• Is able to manage sensitive and complex situations professionally and appropriately.• Has experience of developing and implementing HR policies, processes and systems.• Has excellent communication skills and can build effective working relationships at all levels.• Is highly organised, able to prioritise effectively and comfortable working within a busy environment.• Understands the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and accurate employee records.Experience within education would be advantageous but is not essential where candidates can demonstrate strong transferable HR knowledge and experience.Pond Meadow is a specialist school supporting children and young people aged 3–19 with a wide range of complex learning needs. Our staff are central to the quality of provision we provide, and this role offers an opportunity to make a significant contribution to their experience and to the continued development of the school.We will be reviewing applications and interviewing suitable candidates as applications are received and therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early. Early application is encouraged.### AttachmentsOfsted Report 2023HR Manager JD August 2026Criminal-Record-Declaration-Form (1)### Safeguarding Statement:Pond Meadow School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.